Perhaps you have just reached the end of your school days or you are entering your final year of study? college for you may be considering further education but perhaps aren’t sure where to start. After all, choosing the right college or university is important if you are to be successful in your career aspirations.
Here are some things to consider when making that all-important choice
What course do you want to do?
This sounds very obvious, but it’s also a critical point to consider when deciding where in the country you want to study. Most colleges offer HND courses, HNC and degree programmes in a variety of different corporate fields including business, accounting and finance, hospitality, law, and teaching. Make sure that the course you want to do contains everything you need for the career that you have in mind.
How you intend to fund your course is also an important consideration. Many courses are funded by Student Finance England, meaning that you would be eligible to apply for funding to pay for your course.
Location, location, location
Another important consideration is the location of the college that you choose. If you live in the countryside and you’re used to peace and tranquillity, the hectic environment of a city might not suit you. On the other hand, a complete change might be perfect for you. For example, London is a busy cosmopolitan city that offers plenty of extra-curricular entertaining and social opportunities that you might find appealing if you elected to study there.
You should also consider transport links, journey times and costs to and from your chosen location so you don’t have to worry about getting home during the holidays.
Ask the experts
Before making your final decision, check out everything you’d like to know from current students at colleges you are considering. Ask about the social side of things, the support networks that are in place for students, and find out what it’s like living in halls. Take advantage of open days, which will give you a good opportunity to visit the college and get a feel for the overall vibe.
Ask your school to provide you with predicted grades so that you can present these to colleges when applying for the course you want to do. Make sure that their requirements coincide with the results you are most likely to achieve to avoid the risk of rejection if your results fall short.
Mont Rose College in London offers a wide range of courses from HNC through to degree-level programmes. For more information on the course content that is on offer, contact the college for an informal chat with one of the staff members.