Choosing a university in itself is secondary, as it usually depends on what you are planning to study. If 3 or 4 universities offer exactly the same course, you will need to base your choice on a number of factors including location and cost of living. London is a very popular choice for choice for international students as it contains all the attractions, choices of food, nightlife and culture you could ever dream of, but this mega city living comes at a cost. London is by far the most expensive place to live in the UK, for a rough guide think of the difference between the cost of living in Bangkok and the provinces.
This said, many people choose London or Birmingham because of the sheer variety of everything, many people think paying a little extra is well worth it. If you have been studying at a preparatory college in Thailand, you will probably have some idea of where you can study. It is always wise to pick a recommended international university (เรียนอินเตอร์ มหาวิทยาลัย แนะนำas it is known in Thailand), as the people that recommended it will have a good idea of the cost of living, course content and the area around the university in general.
Listen to Advice
The advice your preparatory course leaders give you about your choices of suitable universities should not be ignored. Of course, the ultimate decision rests with you, but bear in mind that if you go with your own decision and it doesn’t work out you may have pay additional expenses to move elsewhere. It may be also prudent to do some research yourself, search on the internet for location information and perhaps even ask present and past alumni for tips and advice. Please see below for a list of UK cities with sizeable populations of students:
- London
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Oxford
- Cambridge
- Plymouth
- Manchester
- Exeter
All of the above have thriving student populations and all offer a high-quality learning experience. However, the cost of living in the above-mentioned locations differs greatly, with London and Oxford amongst the most expensive and Manchester and Plymouth being the most affordable.
Do What’s Right for You
At the end of the day, you need to select both a course of study and a university that meets your needs. This is not to say you shouldn’t take advice on-board, but the final decision is down to you. Perhaps some friends or family live near a university location or you’re a fan of live music, these are possible factors why people may choose one location over another.
Whatever decision or decisions you make, be sure that they are the right ones for the right reasons. Studying overseas is expensive and this is another factor that needs to be considered. Studying in the wrong university in the wrong location could prove very costly, and certainly not a burden you or your family should have to bear. This said, the vast majority of people have a rich and rewarding time studying overseas and there’s absolutely no reason at all why you shouldn’t as well!
