Today, the prime factor which influences the UK students decision pertaining to the selection of a university is the level of quality provided along with the scholarship that the institute provides. University rankings and 24-hour access to facilities are also important features which the current students enrolled are more serious about as compared to students which were enrolled here 25 years ago, as revealed in 2017 International Student Survey.
The survey was conducted by the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE), in which the responses from a number of 502 current university students were collected and compared with those 500 students who attended university 25 years ago, the objective of the study was to find out the changes in students’ preferences over time.
The survey revealed that the 30% of current students considered university rankings to be the most important factor in their determination of a university, while in contrast, only half the number of students who attended university 25 years ago regarded its prime (15 percent.)
On the other hand, academic rankings posed an even greater impact on overseas students, about 33% of student’s vowed university rankings are the most important factor when making a decision pertaining to their higher studies. University reputation is also considered an important factor by the most of the overseas students, polling at second in rankings with 29 percent; followed by study cost (18 percent).
Survey also illustrated that current student enrollment in university wants more financial grant and support. About 60% students stated that scholarships and other financial support would advance their student experience. However, students from 25 years ago were more likely to go for well-structured courses (59 percent).
Furthermore, university course was mostly prioritized by both generations when choosing a university, (50% today versus 62% 25 years earlier); while the distance from home was a common second priority (27% today versus 38% 25 years earlier.)
Since students also consider university facilities as an important consideration, along with library and accommodation which were equally prioritized by both generations (55% today versus 36% 25 years ago). However, current students laid more importance on the 24-hour provision of facilities (38% today versus 22% 25 years ago). Research also pointed out that since the digital connectivity is increasing; students today are more adamant to be provided with a good digital connectivity (73% today versus 59% 25 years ago).
In addition, the study also found current tutees’ feelings about university infrastructure, look, and feel it provides. Approximately 45% of tutees preferred the mix of modern and old structured building while nearly 40% favored the latest technology integration in the new buildings, 50% favored look of patrimony buildings.
To wrap things up, university academic rankings’ importance has almost doubled in last two and a half decades in the eyes of students. Students today look for more scholarships and grants; they look for cheap assignment writing services and expect to have better 24-hour facilities and amenities available as compared to the students which were enrolled 25 years ago.