Get Answers to These Questions When Picking University

One of the best sources of information when picking a university is from current students. However, it’s not always easy to find students. Here’s a tip for you. Very soon university students will be returning home and you can take advantage of their exodus. Why not contact the universities you’re interested in and ask if you can be connected to one of these students? If the university is not able to give you any contacts, try your high school guidance office and teachers. They may be in touch with former students who are attending your choice university.

The best student is someone who is enrolled in the program you are considering. But if you can’t meet with someone in the same program, don’t insist on this since it will still be an invaluable conversation to have. Also, avoid first year students. Although they have some stories to tell, they have only been at the university for just over 3 months.

You may have met students on a campus tour or other recruitment activities, but an in-person, one-on-one meeting will give you richer, more in-depth information. It is a great opportunity to speak to someone, face-to-face, who is probably similar to you in many ways. This is especially true if you were not able to visit that campus. Chances are they had similar concerns as you, especially when they were considering leaving their home city and moving to the university city. Invite them out for coffee and get their opinions on everything about the campus, faculty, residence, city, etc.

Remember this student can be one of your connections on campus next September so make a good first impression. A senior student can help to make your transition much smoother next year. It’s always great to get advice from the veterans to avoid pitfalls. 

Be prepared for the conversation with good questions. You requested the meeting so be sure to get the information you want.

Here are a few questions to get you started: 

·        What other universities were you considering?

      ·        Why did you choose this university? 

·        Has it lived up to your expectations?

·        What has been the highlight so far?

·        If you can change anything what will it be?

·        How would you describe the culture of the school?

·        What is residence like?

·        What do you like and don’t like about residence?

·        What do you think of the social life on campus and in the city?

·        What’s the food like on campus?

·        How would you rate the faculty?

·        What do you think of the administration and support services?

·        What advice do you have for me to make the best of my experience at this university?

·        In your research of the university, you may have come across some issues that you’ll like a student’s perspective on so don’t forget to include those questions on your list.

·        Also, ask if there is anyone else that they can recommend you speak with to get more information or answers to questions that he/she was not able to answer.

Don’t forget to follow up with a thank email.  If you eventually chose this university, I recommend that you advise the student and mention that you hope to see him/her in residence and on campus. Hopefully, this meeting will be the first of many great interactions with students from this university!