So, you’ve decided to study abroad? Great! But before you start packing your bags (or dreaming about all the Instagram-worthy cafés you’ll visit), let’s talk about the most important step — choosing the right university. Trust me, it’s not just about picking the one with the fanciest library or the best cafeteria (though, let’s be honest, good food is a major plus!).
Before you dive into the world of university brochures and virtual tours, take a moment to think — what do you actually want? (Besides freedom, of course.)
• What’s your dream career?
• What subjects excite you?
• Do you want a relaxed, scenic campus or the hustle and bustle of a city life?
• The university is accredited (you don’t want to explain to your parents why your degree isn’t valid anywhere!).
• The ranking for your specific subject is solid (because who cares if it’s #1 in agriculture if you’re studying AI?).
• The faculty actually teaches and doesn’t just disappear for ‘research’ the entire semester.
• Course flexibility (Can you explore different subjects or are you stuck with one?)
• Internship and practical learning opportunities (Because let’s be real, experience beats memorizing a textbook.)
• Teaching style (Do you thrive on group projects, or does that phrase send shivers down your spine?)
• Diversity — will you meet people from different backgrounds or just clones of yourself?
• Clubs, sports, and activities — because you’ll need a break from studying.
• International student support — will they help you settle in, or will you be left Googling ‘how to survive alone in a foreign country’ at 3 AM?
• Tuition and living expenses (Will you survive on instant noodles, or can you afford real meals?)
• Scholarships and financial aid (Free money? Yes, please!)
• Climate and lifestyle (Are you a beach person or do you secretly enjoy the rain?)
• Career counseling (Because eventually, you’ll need a job!)
• Mental health and well-being support (Your sanity is important.)
• Academic help (For when you realize you might actually need it.)
• Internship and job placement programs (No one wants to graduate and still be job hunting six months later.)
• Alumni success stories (If former students are thriving, chances are, you will too.)
• Industry connections (A degree with no job prospects? No thanks.)
• What’s the best and worst part of studying there?
• How’s the workload? (You don’t want a degree that feels like a never-ending homework assignment.)
• Would they choose the same university again?
• The student visa requirements (Nobody wants last-minute visa stress.)
• Work opportunities during and after study (Because ‘funemployed’ is not a career goal.)
• Residency options if you plan to stick around post-graduation.