How can I avoid choosing a university just because my friends are applying there?
Treat your friends’ choices as one source of information rather than the main reason for your decision. Compare universities using your own criteria, such as the field and subjects you want to study, teaching format, commuting and costs, and possible paths after graduation. Read official materials, check details at information sessions when possible, ask yourself whether you would still want to attend if your friends were not there, and write down the advantages and concerns of each option.
Key points
- Prioritize your interests, preferred way of learning, and practical conditions
- Ask whether you would choose the university even without your friends there
- Use official information and information sessions to compare each option’s strengths and concerns
Things to check
- Details such as classes, costs, and support can vary by faculty, program, and academic year, so check the latest official information.