Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
Location is undoubtedly a big factor, and it's likely that your five top choices will be in different places for different reasons. It’s not always easy to compare places which seem totally different, and this can make the decision seem impossible. That’s why we’ve written the following guide, which you can use to break down any university location into more digestible criteria, making it easier to compare options, and assess where your priorities are best fulfilled.
Distance from home
If you’ve got close family and friends, and plan on making regular visits, then you’ll probably be interested in finding universities within an hour or two’s journey of your hometown. You may also be planning to commute from home while studying, and in this case you’ll certainly want to keep travel as speedy and streamlined as possible. Consider which transport options are at your disposal, and research unis which are feasible within these means. It’s also a good idea to make an estimate of the cost of a trip between home and uni, whether it be car insurance, fuel, train tickets, or taxis, and multiply this cost by the regularity which you’ll be making the trip to understand how much you’ll spend per month on visits.
Large city or small town?
Little or large? There are pros and cons to each type of location, and how you value them will depend on your own preferences and lifestyle. To arrive at the best fit for your university experience, it can be a good idea to write a checklist of things which matter to you. This can include criteria such as cost of living, availability of entertainment and amenities, access to green space and countryside, size of local population, general pace of life, cost of public transport, or connectedness to other cities in the UK.
Coastal or not?
For many of us, living by the sea is a longstanding dream, and there are many UK unis which offer ocean views, local beaches and salty sea air. Generally, coastal universities tend to be based in smaller towns or cities, so if you’re looking for a big-city experience by the coast, then think carefully about which options might work for your other preferences.
Public transport
It’s most likely that after your first year at uni, you’ll be renting housing in the local area, and commuting to class each day. Think about what this might look like, whether you’ll walk, cycle, or be taking a bus or train to and from campus. Similarly, think about how you’ll explore the area, and which criteria are the most important to you. Consider travel time, cost, safety, and availability.
Local amenities
Your basic needs will be met, wherever you go. Campus universities are very convenient since everything is organised with students in mind, generally within a five-minute walk, and larger towns and cities will be served by local shops and services. Obviously, when it comes to things like entertainment, cultural events, restaurants, nightlife, and sports facilities, larger cities offer the most choice, however it’s always worth doing some research to see what’s on in the surrounding area of each of your five university options.
