What should I ask current students that university staff may not tell me?
Ask current students about the real weekly schedule, including preparation, assignments, and commuting; how easy it is to ask instructors questions and receive feedback; the burden of group work and examinations; the student atmosphere; how accessible support offices are; and everyday costs. Ask for recent, specific examples, since students may reveal practical experiences that staff cannot easily describe or observe.
Key points
- Ask how much study is needed outside class and when the busiest periods occur.
- Ask for examples of contacting instructors, administrative offices, and support services.
- Ask about friendships, group work, campus atmosphere, commuting, and day-to-day pressures.
Things to check
- Experiences vary by faculty, year, course choices, and personal circumstances, so it is useful to ask several students.
- Verify rules, costs, support schemes, and application deadlines through official information rather than relying only on student accounts.