Choose the culture and the course in deciding a university

It's a bit like that ad for industry super funds.

You know the one. 'Compare the pair' is the tagline.

Two adults in similar situations but one has made a better choice of where to grow their super.

So, what to do when you've researched university courses your offspring is interested in only to find the same course being offered at two (or more) of them?

How do you compare the pair?

More importantly, how do you make a better choice of where to 'grow' your young adult?

Our advice is this: choose the culture and the course when deciding a university.

It's not what you have; it's how you deliver it

Not all universities are made equal.

They don't necessarily have student welfare as their highest priority.

They may not have teaching staff who go beyond their academic theories either.

But your daughter/son's overall experience as a student is really important.

Not only for their self-esteem, but also for their motivation to study and get that degree.

So, the university's culture and values are vital to them not only discovering who they are, but also growing into that person.

Some universities support their new students with peer mentors during their first year of study.

What should you look for?

Many students struggle at some point, particularly in their first year.

It can be about time management, especially as they navigate an onslaught of assignments while working part-time and other things in their non-student life.

Or it can be learning academic requirements like proper assignment writing, referencing and more.

Look for a university that recognises these realities and puts actual resources into helping students adjust to their new life.

That could be anything from providing free specialist advice, to appointing peers to mentor students in their first year.

Hint: If they're rated highly by their graduates for 'Student Support' in the Good Universities Guide, you're heading in the right direction.

Quality of teaching is another factor.

Sure, it's higher education, but that doesn't always translate to higher quality.

Look for a university whose teaching staff go the extra mile for their students.

That could be anything from arranging work experience or volunteering, to simply being available to explain an assignment or the content of a recent lecture.

These things matter to students – and they'll matter to yours too.

Hint: If a university is rated highly by their graduates for 'Teaching Quality', again in the Good Unis Guide, it's another good sign.

Find universities confusing?

Selecting courses is one thing, but many parents with first children considering university can find it all a mystifying experience.

To help you grapple with the mysteries of university, you might want to read our blog about 20-things-parents-should-know-about-university-study.