Are student reviews a reliable way to judge a university?
Student reviews can be useful, but they should not be the sole basis for choosing a university. Impressions vary with the reviewer’s year, faculty or program, priorities, and the time of posting, and reviews may overrepresent particularly satisfied or dissatisfied students. Compare multiple reviews and check official information about the faculty or program you are considering.
Key points
- Read several reviews and distinguish recurring themes from individual experiences.
- Look for information on specific topics such as classes, facilities, support, and student life.
- Use official university information or enquiries to verify questions raised by reviews.
Things to check
- Details such as course content and support systems can vary by university, faculty, and academic year, so check the latest official information.