Are you dreaming of attending university and finding  yourself struggling to decide what to study? With so many options, it can be difficult to determine which course is the best fit for your interests, abilities, and goals. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help make the process easier for you: 

Do’s:

1. Do your research: before you make a decision, research different courses, universities, and careers. This will give you a better understanding of what's available and help you determine which courses are the best fit for your interests and career goals. Most university websites will give you lists of courses, including the modules you will study. We recommend keeping a record of what you find - depending on your personality this could be a carefully categorised spreadsheet, note on your phone, notebook or scrap of people, just ensure you remember what you’ve read!

2. Talk to people: if you can talk to current students, alumni, and professionals in the fields you’re interested in. They can provide valuable insights and advice on what courses to choose and what careers are available after graduation. You can also speak to  your teachers and mentors. As you have a relationship with them, you might feel more comfortable asking  them for advice and opinions on what courses they think would be best suited to your career aspirations than a stranger.  Getting these opinions will help you to hone your list of potential courses.

3. Attend open days and university courses. Get an up close view of the course and get a clear picture of what it entails. If you are applying to study in a country other than your home country, sign up for virtual open days.

4. Consider your strengths and weaknesses: choose a course that will challenge you, but also allow you to utilise your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses. Be realistic about what grades you are likely to get and what courses you fit the requirements for. 

5. Take your time: Choosing the right university course is a big decision, so take your time to weigh your options and gather as much information as you can.

6. Consider your future career goals: choose a course that will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your desired career, though don’t worry if you don’t have a set career goal yet. If this is the case, the best thing you can do is find a course you will enjoy and use your university course to gain as many transferable skills as possible.

Don’t:

1. Base your decision solely on the prestige of the university: an elite university doesn't guarantee success, and a less well-known university may offer a better fit for your interests and career goals.

2. Rush into a decision: take your time and research the course thoroughly to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

3. Overlook the importance of discussing your options before deciding on a university or course to study. Speak to people who have been in your shoes, get advice from school guidance counsellors, university admissions teams, friends or  fellow candidates at university open days. This way you can make a truly informed decision after talking through your choices.   

4. Choose a course based on your friends or family: while their opinions are valuable, it's important to choose a course that's right for you, not for someone else.

5. Overlook the practical aspects of a course: consider the workload, course content, and career prospects before making a decision.

6. Ignore your gut feeling: if a course doesn’t feel right, it's probably not the right fit for you.

Choosing the right university course is an important step in shaping your future career. By doing your research, talking to people, considering your strengths and weaknesses, and taking your time, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve your goals. 

Melio University Preparation

Are you worried about your university admission process? Are you considering studying in the United Kingdom? Do you want 1:1 guidance? We want to help! Melio offers university advice to students considering taking the next stage in their academic career in the UK. Schedule a call to find out how we can assist you on your journey.