How can I tell what the students at a university are really like before enrolling?
Do not judge from a single impression. Visit on several occasions, such as open-campus events, festivals, and, if possible, class observations. Ask current students specific questions about their attitude toward classes, assignments, friendships, clubs, commuting, and difficulties they have faced. Compare the university’s official information with accounts from several students and social media, while considering whether you could spend your time there comfortably.
Key points
- Ask current students not only about what they like, but also about difficulties and unexpected aspects.
- Observe how students interact with one another and with staff, as well as the atmosphere before and after classes.
- Also speak with students whose faculty, year, and commuting circumstances are similar to yours.
- Use social media as reference information, taking individual differences and extreme posts into account.
Things to check
- Student atmosphere and approaches to learning can differ by university, faculty, department, and year.
- Check the university’s official information to confirm whether visits or consultations with current students are available.