How to select colleges in the UK

This college business doesn't have to be hard. Learn how to find the right colleges by starting with your personal preferences, here.

Start with your personal preferences

Here are some questions to ask yourself: 1. Do you want to live at home or move out? 2. Do you prefer a rural or urban area? 3. Do you want full-time or part-time study? 4. Do you want to learn at home or attend classes physically? Living at home versus moving out Living at home is the most convenient choice. There are no additional expenses to think of like lodging rental, electricity and water bills, eating out, household and grocery expenses and so on. On the other hand, moving out gives you a new experience. And remember, that with independence comes responsibility. Full time versus part-time study If you have just completed secondary school, go for a full-time study. This is usually the optimum time to experience life as a college student. Depending on the study time-table, you may be able to work part-time while studying full-time. Otherwise, study part-time and work full-time. If so, you can either attend evening classes, enrol for distance learning courses from home or sign up for online courses from colleges online. Home-study versus physical classes This will firstly depend on the subject that you are pursuing. It is likely that you have to attend physical classes for highly academic subjects that involve laboratory work. If you do have both choices, it is good for you. If you are an independent (and self-motivated) learner, home-study gives you this kind of flexibility in both time-table and teaching/learning style. You practically set your own tone and the costs are definitely lower. Be sure that the home college courses are recognised. However, you miss out on the social experience of interacting with lecturers and college mates while studying in a college. Unless you are studying in a community college, you need to be able to fund your studies.

What college facilities do you want?

Size of the institution Do you prefer a campus or a college with scattered buildings? The facilities If you are living there, how do the halls of residence look like? What about private lodging? Take costs into account too, and think about other facilities you are looking for.