Choosing Universities

Today, the topic for discussion are the events leading up to choosing a University. Statistics with regards to which University is best for your course varies with each course. However, there is generally one thing that remains constant. Students either (a) attempts to get as far away as possible from where they've been studying previously, or (b) they attempt to be as close as possible... both choices are for personal reasons. Regardless; attending open-days is a great idea.

Now if you're secondary school was a good one, there should have been trips for your whole year to attend some of these. If your primary school did the same thing; there is a slight difference in concept. In primary school; it would have been for touring purposes but for secondary school onwards; it should be for the purposes of scouting what University is good for you.

I only ever attended an open day for two Universities. Twice to the University of Hertfordshire and once to the University of Bedfordshire. The first time at Hertfordshire was with my secondary school. It was pretty standard. There was a mock trial, showed off the lecture theatres and I rolled around in the grass (I always wanted to roll around in University grass). The second visit was less fun as I didnt have the company of my school mates... it as a bunch of other strangers for the same open day and they showed off the same features.

The open day in the University of Bedfordshire was a little different. Whereas the previous location conducted a mock trial in a normal classroom; Bedfordshire showed off their fancy moot court which was impressive.... but oddly enough; they didn't use it to demonstrate a moot. (But since I've been in Bedfordshire; I have since taken part in a moot to demonstrate the room for 6th formers during their open day... so I guess that issue is fixed now). What both Universities failed to draw attention to is location, location, location.

Hertfordshire is a fair distance away from the town centre making your choice of activities during your little one hour breaks very limited. Bedfordshire on the other hand was right in the middle of town. In addition to that, There are courts and law firms dotted everywhere.... and I mean everywhere! this is a big plus. Maybe they should mention this from now on dont you think? ;)

Paul G,
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