what to think about if you're in....y12

With this year's coursework and exams pretty much behind you, you'll be pleased to know that uni isn't all about books, lectures and exams.

We all know students get up to other stuff, right? And this other stuff is important when it comes to getting the most out of the whole university experience.

Different people have different ideas of fun, though - so when you're picking a uni take a look at what the local area offers. 

For example, if you're a party animal and like clubbing, Manchester, Leeds or even Glasgow attract people who like a night life full of music and a boogie.
​
If you’d rather hit the beach and catch some rays on your day off, then you might prefer somewhere on the coast like Falmouth, Newport or Bournemouth. Or for both night life and waves, there are Brighton's two unis.

Some people say you’ll have a good time wherever you go. That’s dangerous talk, because there's no reason why it should be true. No two unis are alike. Finding one where you’ll enjoy life is as important as finding the right course.
If you're going to live somewhere for the next three years, it should be a place you can relax, unwind and be happy.

This month and over the summer, try to get in a least one or two visits to unis you’re considering. Some are running open days or taster days, but even if they’re not, you can still get a good idea of what it would be like to live there as well as study there.

Don't even consider spending the next 3 or 4 years living somewhere you haven't spent at least 3 or 4 hours. Bear in mind though, a uni outside term time is like school at the weekend.

Author

LUCY HARDING is the Editorial manager for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach