Use the word CLASS to help you prioritise

Course - choosing the right one
What are your skills, interests and values? What are your career plans?
What grades are you expecting to achieve and how do these match the entry requirements to a particular course?

Location - choosing the institution
To get an overview on the insitutions, check out the league tables but don't take them too seriously - their priorities may be different to yours! Review websites and read prospectuses - get your own copy. Think about the environment you want to be in. Is the university near an international airport? Are there good transport links to other cities and local attractions? Will the location offer additional extra curricular activities?
 

Accommodation - a place to live
The accommodation is very important to most students and many universities and colleges offer excellent facilities at a range of prices to suit your budget. Is the accommodation on campus, or placed a walk or a bus ride away from the university or college? Is it safe and secure? Is the accommodation in halls of residence or in private housing? Will you have a private or shared bathroom? What about social space? Are cooking facilities included or fully catered?

Support - who cares?
Universities and colleges offer a range of professional support from you own Personal Tutor to counsellors and advisors to help if you have any concerns or worries. The Students’ Union is run by students for students and can also offer advice on a range of accommodation, legal, academic and visa concerns. There are professional counsellors on hand if you need them. The Union may also be a venue to look for part-time paid or voluntary work and have training opportunities. There may also be a student newspaper or radio station to be involved with

Sports and Social - free time and fun!
During ‘Fresher’s Week’ – the first week of term - you can sign up to join a range of sports or social activities that appeal to you. This is your chance to do something completely different like scuba diving or rock climbing as well as traditional sports such as cricket, rugby, tennis and netball. It makes sense to choose an institution by the sea if you like messing about with boats and near mountains if you like climbing!

It’s all about finding out what matters to you most and what your priorities are.