The Location

Where do you want to go?

• Do you really like your parents or do you want to get as far away as possible?
• Do you want to visit your boyfriend or girlfriend every weekend (or, perhaps, want an excuse not to)?
• Do you want to find the cheapest way of going to university?

One way or another, location is likely to be an important factor. If you want to live at home, the decision might be straightforward. If you live in or near to London there could easily be half a dozen local universities to choose from. If you want to go away from home, then distance or travel time to and from home might be a factor.

Whether you go away to university or remain living at home either experience will be quite different.

• Going away might be more of an adventure, taking you away from your parents and the town where you currently live and any restrictions that implies, to a whole new city or region of the country.
• You will be free to study and socialise as and when you like, joining in with other students without having to worry about getting the last bus home.
• On the other hand it will almost certainly be more expensive.
• You will need to be much more self-reliant, possibly shopping and cooking for yourself for the first time and possibly not enjoying the emotional security and comfort of home.

Incidentally, if you can go away from home it may be to your longer-term advantage to do so.

• Some recent research has shown that students who move away from home have potentially better job prospects than those who stay behind.
• This is possibly because a large part of moving away from home is the need to be self-sufficient.
• The safety net of parents has gone and students, to be successful, will need to learn that laundry does not wash itself.
• Such skills of self-sufficiency are very transferrable into the workplace.

Some 'local' students choose to experience the best of both worlds.

• They choose a University 30 miles or less from home, live on campus in first year (experiencing University life to the full, making key friends and networks) and then have the option of moving back home in subsequent years.
• Students who choose a sandwich course or placement year sometimes opt for placement jobs closer to home or vice versa to save money or experience living away from home.
• Courses involving a year abroad are available to all students, including those who live at home with their parents in the first two years.

Looking at a specific location

If a particular town or city interests you, it is advisable to look at the geographical location of the university or universities you are interested in.

• Is the location city-centre or several miles outside?
• The former will be handy for ammentities and night-life but may be noisier and less picturesque.
• The latter may be located in a beautiful setting but if you have to live off-campus there could be high travel costs and restricted access late on Sunday evenings. 
• Don't forget that some larger cities have more than one university too.

The town or city facilities might be a priority for you.

• Your time at university will be an opportunity for you to pursue your interests in a way you may never be able to again.
• Access to many things, such as sports facilities could be very cheap and you will probably have some time to become seriously involved if you wish.
• Whether you like to dance the night away, follow the Premier League or haunt the theatre, or engage in volunteering choosing the right location will help to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.

Bear in mind that the prospectuses frequently boast about the attractive surrounding countryside, but unless you have a particular interest that takes you there, such as climbing or fell walking, it is doubtful if you will spend much time taking in the sights.

• Our university profiles describe each university's location and locale.
• The city profiles give an indication of the sporting and cultural opportunities available, together with notes on pubs, clubs and shopping facilities.

The cost of living

Then, of course, there is the cost.

• Generally, the south of England and London are more expensive places to live than the rest of the UK so if cost is significant for you do take this into account. 
• A young persons rail or coach card could be a very sensible long-term investment and can make a great Christmas present from your granny.

• Read about the financial support available to students;
• advice on managing your money while at University;
• and student accommodation.

Next page: Type and Size of University