The selection process for the ideal university can be testy and trying. Our entire high school is spent perfecting our grades and securing better marks for the entrance examinations to make it to our targeted and desired institution. And as important, it is to focus on the above procedure, it is equally vital to put time and energy behind researching and listing down the potential university that suits your liking. It is also essential to know your expectations from the course as well as yourself and be headstrong about it. To make the most appropriate decision, here is a list of pointers you can keep in mind before choosing your university.
University Rank
The University’s course ranking can give you a general idea of where it stands compared to other colleges. Rankings overview what universities you should consider applying to and which colleges to drop. A university can accommodate various types of specialised courses, but the course you wish to pursue might or might not be the best one that the university offers. The ranking of a course comes from years of experience, which is something to look out for. (Choosing the Best Architecture School, n.d.)
Qualification or Expertise of the Faculties
Academic as well as professional expertise of the faculty staff of the university can make you understand what level of knowledge you can expect to gain from them. They are, after all, going to your mentors. The academic experience of the professors can help you push your design and research work. With professional experience, you can sharpen your work ethic and have a parallel acknowledgement of exposure outside your academics.
University Scholarships
Scholarships are a great incentive for working hard and narrowing down a university that might come under your financially reasonable options. A scholarship can also open doors for you to your dream company or firm after your undergraduate or postgraduate. There are various types of scholarship programs in a university’s schedule that can boost your morale, confidence, and drive for what you want to achieve. (Baldwin, n.d.)
University Campus and Amenities
As important as the university’s academics, it is equally vital to have amenities for healthy and social student life on your campus. Institutional design and ratings are nowadays prioritised toward the overall campus area. A well-designed campus includes sports amenities, green areas, a library, a gym and pool, recreational areas, cafes, gathering spots, and so on. Recent regulations have also seen how universities and colleges are coming up with ways to take care of students’ physical and mental health. That plays a major role in the overall well-being of the student while they are attached to the university. University accommodations are a plus for large campuses. In-house accommodations can acquaint you with your university and everything it offers, which is an experience. (Joyner, 2020)
Student Culture
Being in a healthy and supportive environment should be a top priority. Undergrad or Postgrad school goes on for at least a year, and you would want to pass that time with an encouraging and sensible company. Apart from academic and professional help, these companies will go on to become the most cherished bonds after the completion of your course.
Extra Curricular Activities
These activities can bring the entire university and its population together and work towards it. Extracurricular activities ensure equal importance is given to a student’s interests and offer you a stage where you can recognise and sharpen your skills. Universities have student bodies run by and for students, along with several departments and clubs to shape and experiment with your hobbies and interests and take them further to something meaningful. (Baldwin, n.d.)
Annual Fees
Being cognizant of the institute’s annual fee structure, considering everything that will go into the course, is of utmost importance. Undergraduate and post-graduate institutions can be a means of investment for some people; thus, keeping a financial check could work your way. It is a smart way to organise your present and future spending. (Choosing the Best Architecture School, n.d.)
Types of Jobs of the Alumni
Going through the type of jobs the university alumni can give you an overview of what fields you can go to after pursuing the course of your choice. It can give you a strong idea of the plethora of specifications you can take up. This research can help you connect with the alumnus that can come into benefit in the long run.
At last, it’s important to remember that it is a process to choose your dream college. It can be trying to be patient but choosing an ideal university can secure your future a great deal. Apart from this, talking to your friends and family and taking them through this can help to a good extent because you are not alone. At times, the people around you can point out your strength and weaknesses which can help you come to a conclusion.
References
Baldwin, E. (n.d.). How to Choose an Architecture School That’s Right for You. Architizer. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/how-to-choose-between-architecture-schools/
Choosing the Best Architecture School. (n.d.). archisoup. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.archisoup.com/choosing-an-architecture-school
Joyner, S. (2020, May 12). How To Choose Between Architecture Schools | Features. Archinect. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://archinect.com/features/article/150195362/how-to-choose-between-architecture-schools
