Are you comparing universities? In this blog, St Mary’s student Ayla shares how to approach your decision, the key factors to consider, and why St Mary's was the right choice for her.
When I was deciding which university to go to two years ago, I remember feeling overwhelmed and lost among the many options. I knew it was a massive decision, and I didn’t want to be left with any regrets in the future.
If you've found yourself similarly stressed and overwhelmed, here are some things I learned and some tips on how best to compare universities.
How to compare universities in two easy steps
Step 1: Choosing the right location
The first step in the process is to decide where you want to study. I'm originally from the US, so I had to decide whether to continue my studies there or become an international student.
While I knew it would be both more comfortable and convenient to stay closer to home, the learning style at American universities wasn't for me. I found the weekly workload overwhelming, and I often had to cram for the next quiz rather than taking time to absorb the information. Having a lighter workload reignited a passion for learning that I had forgotten about during my time at university in the US.
Alongside the different workload, I also loved that in the UK you can focus on your course immediately, rather than struggling through a variety of subjects. With these differences in mind, I chose to push myself out of my comfort zone, move abroad, and experience a change of pace.
As an international student, it was helpful to narrow down the general location that I was interested in. Because I knew I wanted to move to a city in the UK, London was my first pick. I liked the idea of moving to a city where there's so much to do. The theatre, music venues, and museums were enough to convince me London was the right place for me. Focusing my search on a specific location really lightened the load.
The next thing I did was decide whether I wanted to be in the heart of the city, or somewhere a bit quieter and low-key. Thinking about your day-to-day lifestyle, cost of living, and housing availability can help narrow your search when looking at universities.
For me, I loved the idea of being near a big city, but I was unsure if I wanted to attend university in such a busy area. Because of this, I began comparing universities within an hour's travel distance of central London.
Step 2: Comparing and exploring universities
The next step when comparing universities is to get to know your options. Because there are so many different choices, I found it helpful to compare these key factors: housing, price, and size.
As an international student, I couldn't do in-person visits, so I had to do lots of research online about each university before coming to a decision. I not only looked at a university’s website, but also at their to get a better feel of what the university would be like.
How a university presents itself online can help show you what they stand for, what daily life may look like for you, and what activities are put on.
Factors to consider when comparing universities in the UK
1. Accommodation: Where will you live?
When I first came to the UK, I was a study abroad student, and the first thing I wanted to research was accommodation. It's important to me to feel at home wherever I'm staying, so I did plenty of research on what the living conditions would be like.
I wanted the opportunity to have a roommate and was keen to live somewhere that didn't feel like an American college dorm. I also wanted accommodation that included a meal plan, so I wouldn't have to worry about cooking every day.
All universities will have information about their accommodation on their website, so look in depth at the different kinds offered as there can be several options within one university.
2. Costs: Planning your budget
Another aspect that's important to weigh up when deciding on a university is how much you want to spend, and what features you want available to you for that price. I found it helpful to calculate a rough estimate of what each university would cost for both my education and accommodation.
Of course, on top of the cost, it's important to take into account other features and facilities offered by each university, such as gyms, meal plans, and access to study materials.
I made a pros and cons list for each university which included features I liked, as well as the cost. This allows you to see how each university compares to the others, making it easier to weed out options where you feel the cost outweighs the value.
3. University size: Finding the right learning environment
While university size might not feel like a priority when comparing your options, I'd encourage you to consider it, as size can change a lot about how a university functions and the community there.
Bigger universities will have larger lecture cohorts, as well as a larger campus, making them feel busier. Smaller universities give students the opportunity to get to know more of their peers and lecturers.
After attending a bigger university in the US where the lecturers and most of my fellow students didn’t know my name, it was refreshing to attend somewhere entirely different. It was a pleasant surprise to attend a university where the staff cared about the feedback from students and actively supported you in your academic journey.
Along with this, the community among students at a smaller university like St Mary's is much more welcoming and closer.
Why I chose St Mary's
Study Abroad programme
As I am originally from the US, my first step before becoming a full-time international student was to join the . This allowed me to see what living in London was like before deciding to stay for my degree. While this only applies to international students, local students can attend and to get a feel for a university before making a commitment.
Variety of accommodation options
Because campus tours were not an option for me, I made sure to do thorough research on St Mary's accommodation, campus, and student life before deciding to study here. I liked how they offered . I especially liked Waldegrave housing options, as the exterior of these houses are particularly beautiful, and you can choose between a large single, small single, and twin room. I also found it nice to have so many different options price-wise, as you can choose features like an en-suite bathroom or shared bathroom depending on your budget.
Beautiful local area
When I arrived at St Mary's for the Study Abroad programme, I loved it instantly. The area is a beautiful place to live, with the Thames a short walk away and stunning nearby neighbourhoods. The campus is the perfect size for me: small enough to get to lectures in 10 minutes or less, without feeling too claustrophobic. I was amazed that Strawberry Hill House is connected to campus and instantly adored the atmosphere here.
Manageable workload
I also found I was learning a lot in my lectures, and my timetable gave me enough free time to have interests outside of university and take my time with the material. Compared to American universities, where you are consistently assigned a lot of homework alongside lectures all day, every day, I felt I had finally found somewhere I could thrive both academically and personally.
Deciding to stay
Near the end of my semester abroad, I realised I wasn’t ready to leave and decided to complete my degree here. The friends I made felt like family, and I genuinely enjoyed attending my lectures. I also loved how easy it was to visit museums and events in central London.
Feeling a true passion for my studies has shown me that I made the right choice. I feel very grateful to have found somewhere that suits me so well – where I can enjoy my studies, have time for fun activities, and live in such a beautiful area.
Choosing the right university for you
If you’re considering St Mary's, there’s plenty to explore before you apply. You can browse our wide , get a feel for a , take a , or experience the University for yourself at one of our . With a Gold-rated student experience (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023) and a reputation as one of the safest universities in the country, you can feel confident you’ll be supported from day one – both on campus and beyond.