Home sweet home.

Note this post is about finding a place that feels good. A post about find the right course for you is on its way.

When picking a university not only is it important to pick one where the course is right for you but it is arguably more important to pick a university that feels good. Remember you have to live there for at least three years. The only way to do this is to physically visit the place; there is no way of me telling you what is right and what is wrong on this one. You need to go, you need to decide.

Parents can be a tough one on this one (a whole post about parents to come along later). They do want what is best for you. My mum took me down to Plymouth Uni, she loved the place, so did I, but…It was just so far away, I couldn’t realistically see myself living there .But she didn’t quite get my view point and kept pushing me to Plymouth.  My Dad always stayed on the fence on this one and I really appreciated that, he just wanted me to go where I felt was going to be best.

There are several things I recommend for finding that special place.

University prospectus-Get ALL of the prospectus’, they are free, who can resist free things? (Number one lesson of being a student, if it’s free you take it). On a more serious note, do take time to look through them, your college or 6^th form with usually have some copies. This should give you an idea of the kind of places you like or don’t.

Open days- The first one you go to you will get a basic idea of how you feel about the pace, take your parents along and focus on the university itself, course and accommodation. If you like the place, try and get to a second. However this time try and focus your attention on the city, the social aspect, check out some shops, try a few pubs. Ask yourself, could you picture yourself living here? Do you feel safe? Does it feel like home?

Casual visits- If your university is close enough try and pop down for a visit. Getting the train down (or up) can give you a good idea of the cost of coming home. These non organised visits will give you a chance to see the city on an average day, rather than a day where the uni is pointing out the best bits and pushing the crap under the rug. Again use this opportunity to test out shops, take some friends with you and get their opinion of the place.

 Students- Remember you have to live there. It will be your home. Don’t let anyone else push you.

 Parents- This is just as scary for you as it is for your child. Try not to stress them out too much. Let them find their own way. Try not to push to one place too much.

Keep it scrimpy,
Laura.