Which UK university is best for you?

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - University of Glasgow
Reading time: 8 minutes

People study abroad for many reasons - to see new places, to experience a different culture, and maybe most importantly, to get access to student life and educational opportunities not available at home. If you want to study at a UK university, you’ll not only have access to some truly innovative teaching and research - you’ll also be joining one of the most multicultural student bodies in the world. 

Within the UK, there’s a huge range of universities and courses to choose from. So, how do you choose between over 160 institutions, and thousands of courses? Research finds that half of students who drop out of university early do so because they chose the wrong course, so it’s important to be completely happy with your choice.  

So, let’s have a look at what you need to consider before you make your university application, so that you can make the right choice. 

Choose your subject   

The first step in the process of choosing a university is deciding what you want to study. Your UCAS personal statement will be sent to all your university choices, so it should be relevant to all the courses you apply for. This means that all of your course choices must be the same or in a similar field. 

Think about the school subjects you’re good at, but also think about what you could spend the next three or even four years studying.  

Is there a subject that you want to continue and deepen your knowledge in? Or do you want to study something completely new?  

Do you want to study a subject like law or medicine that relates to a specific job? Or perhaps you want to take a course like history that can be used in a wide range of careers? Think carefully about these questions, and the rest of the process will become a lot easier. 

Do as many events and online taster sessions, and sign up for as many free online courses as you can. Futurelearn has a great range of taster courses from universities all over the world. This can really help you decide where your interests lie.  Above all, keep notes on what interests you, and what doesn’t. 

If you think you want a broader degree, then you’ve always got the option of doing a joint honours degree. This means you combine two different courses. Many joint honours courses combine a language with another subject, giving you the possibility to use your learning around the world, or even do a study placement in another country.  

Consider the competition 

When thinking about what course you could do, it’s important to consider the competition. Some courses have many more applicants than places, but there are also hundreds of ‘hidden’ courses which get far fewer applicants. For example, the University of Oxford gets 16.9 applicants per place on its Economics course, but it’s closer to 3 applicants per Classics place. Classics covers a range of areas like politics, history, linguistics, social sciences and more, and really challenges your intellect.  

Economics might be competitive, but Classics might be just as valuable. There are thousands of ‘hidden’ courses, which, just because they’re not famous, don’t attract as many applicants. Check out the full range of courses on the UCAS Explore site, and the Uni Guide, and do it with an open mind. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of courses, it’s time to think about where to study. 

Think about location and compare universities in the UK 

The UK might be a small country, but it’s incredibly diverse. There are large, international cities like London or Glasgow, smaller towns and cities like Cardiff, Belfast or Nottingham, rural universities like Lancaster, coastal towns like St. Andrews or historic cities like York, Oxford or Cambridge.  

So, when you’re deciding on a UK university, you need to first ask yourself: what’s important to you? Would you prefer to live in a busy city or in the quiet countryside? Are you going to be doing a lot of exploring or will you stay near campus? These factors will make a difference to your decision. 

You’ll also need to think carefully about costs. Different parts of the UK have different costs of living, depending on things like rent, transport, and the cost of entertainment. Check out property websites to see what rents are like, to get an idea of how expensive life will be.  

For more information, check out our article on the cost of living in the UK.  

Finally, the type of university itself is important. Some universities have campuses where the whole of university life takes place, like the University of York. Others are more spread out, such as the University of Manchester, which has buildings all over the city. Each has its own atmosphere and you should think about which you prefer. 

Look at the rankings: How to choose a university in the UK 

Find out how your preferred universities rank in the league tables. Rankings of the top universities in the UK don’t just measure teaching quality. They show data on student satisfaction, post-graduation employment rates, and staff to student ratios. 

The best universities in the UK and courses with higher rankings will be more competitive to gain entry to. You can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS form, so it’s a good idea to choose a range of courses and universities. Include an ambitious choice which you may or may not get the grades for, and safe choices that you know will accept you. 

You can check the Guardian university rankings, or the Times Higher Education rankings to see which universities are the most highly rated. 

That being said, student life in the UK is about balance. You need to consider both rankings and what’s right for you. It’s no use going to a top ranking UK university in a location you hate, studying things that don’t interest you, and where the culture on campus doesn’t appeal to you.  

Sometimes it might be better to move down the rankings if you know that the university will really help you to shine.  

Remember, the reason that there are so many different kinds of university is because everyone is unique. If you’re applying to somewhere that you know really matches your values and interests, you’ll be much more likely to make a success of your university career. 

Research the teaching style  

It’s a good idea to look at the style of teaching and assessment at your chosen university. Some courses focus more on final exams, some on coursework, and some on projects, dissertations and independent research.  

See whether your university’s exams are open book or closed book. If they’re closed you have to remember a lot more, but if they’re open you will probably have to give more detailed answers in your exams.  

If you can attend open days and chat to other students and potential professors, do so. But if you can’t, remember that each university course website will tell you about the course content and how it is assessed. You need to make a choice based on what type of assessment will suit you best. 

Some courses are taught in large lectures and seminars, and others, such as many Oxbridge colleges, will teach you in small groups or one-to-one with a tutor. The teaching style that works best for you will be decisive in your choice. 

Consider your hobbies   

Every university has its own culture and social life based around the student unions and societies. University life is about more than studying, for local and international students alike.   

You will have a more balanced student experience if you make time for your hobbies. Look on the university website to learn about student societies and clubs, and see which activities are available to you. But don’t worry if you don’t see anything that appeals - you can always be proactive and start your own society.  

Do you have a sport that you love to do? If you do, and you’re really good at it, you might even be eligible for a scholarship. There are all sorts of funding and awards available, so even if you think you won’t get anything it’s a good idea to check. 

Read about sports scholarships at UK universities.   

Make sure you fulfil the English language requirements 

You’ll need to pass a test of English for your UK student visa requirements. You can take any Secure English Language Test (SELT) that’s been approved by the Home Office, the UK government department responsible for immigration.  

PTE Academic can be used for UK student visas for degree level courses, and to access 99% of universities in the country. The test takes two hours, covers reading, speaking, listening and writing and is entirely done on a computer. Results usually come back within 48 hours, making it convenient and reliable.  

Choosing a UK university requires a lot of thought. Luckily, choosing an English test to get the visa is easy.

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    Student guide: What is the cost of living in Canada?
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Many students dream of studying in Canada. The country has world-renowned teaching facilities and universities, an open immigration system, metropolitan cities, and scenic landscapes. Altogether, it’s a great choice for international students.  

    Studying in Canada is not as expensive as studying in other countries, like the U.S. or U.K. However it is still a big investment. International students pay between $1,800-20,000 CAD per year to attend a Canadian university or college.  

    But, what’s the cost of living in Canada? Canada is a big country and prices vary by region. Nevertheless, the EduCanada government website estimates the average cost of living for foreign students is about $12,000 CAD a year.  

    In this guide, we outline how much students across Canada pay for things like rent, transportation, entertainment, and food – and look into some hidden costs that everyone should keep in mind. 

    Here is our student guide on the cost of living in Canada: 

    Accommodation costs by city  

    When you’re studying in Canada, you can choose between living on-campus or off-campus. Living on-campus is a great opportunity to socialize with other students and make friends. Most institutions also give students on-campus the option to buy a meal plan. But, keep in mind that many universities and colleges prioritize first-year students for on-campus housing.  

    You might also decide to rent an apartment or room off-campus instead. There are lots of housing options in neighborhoods close to universities and colleges – and these are often advertised specifically for students.  

    To give you an idea about how much accommodation will cost, we take a look at some popular Canadian study destinations. Keep in mind, off-campus housing prices might fluctuate because of the pandemic. 

    Toronto  

    At the University of Toronto, on-campus housing for eight months ranges from about $6500- $20,500 CAD, depending on the room and meal-plan. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto costs about $2,100 CAD/month on average.  

    Vancouver 

    At the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, a room and meal-plan will cost you between $10,700-$13,850 CAD for two terms. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $2,050 CAD/month on average.  

    Montreal 

    At McGill University in Montreal, a single room for 1st-year undergraduate students costs between about $9,700-$12,700 CAD/academic year, without a meal plan. A one-bedroom apartment costs 1,300 CAD/month on average. 

    Halifax 

    At Dalhousie University in Halifax, a single room costs between $8,130-$9,450 CAD/academic year with a meal plan. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,400 CAD/month on average.  

    Waterloo 

    At the University of Waterloo, a single room in a traditional-style dorm costs between about $6,700-$7,000 CAD for the fall and winter term, not including a mandatory meal-plan. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,500 CAD/month on average.  

    Food costs  

    If you don’t have a meal plan and live off-campus, you must include grocery shopping in your budget. Of course, food prices are different across the country and depend on where you decide to shop.  

    Let’s take a quick look at how much essential items may cost in Canada’s largest city, Toronto:  

    • Milk (about $3 CAD)

    • Rice, 1kg (about $3.50 CAD)

    • Apples, 1kg (about $4 CAD)

    • Red meat, 1kg (about $16 CAD)

    • 12 eggs (about $3.50 CAD)

    According to the City of Toronto’s Nutritious Food Basket Calculator, a male aged 19-30 must spend a minimum of $65.50/week to buy healthy food. A female the same age living in Toronto must spend about $51 CAD/week to buy healthy food.  

    Transportation costs in Canada 

    How much is the average cost of transportation in Canada? Many international students rely on public transportation to get around. And oftentimes, transport costs are included in tuition fees – giving you unlimited access to the city’s whole transportation system.  

    But in some cities – like Toronto and Montreal – you can buy your own pass at a reduced fare. In Montreal, a student pass costs $53 CAD/month. In Toronto, which is a much more expensive city, a pass costs $128 CAD/month.  

    Outside of larger cities, it can also be useful to have a car, especially if you are used to driving at home. But, keep in mind this can cost a lot extra. To get an idea of how much it costs to drive a car in Canada, check out this driving costs calculator by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).  

    Entertainment costs 

    Canada offers many cultural and outdoor activities for you to enjoy. You can find world-class music festivals, skiing and snowboarding, and giant sporting events like basketball, hockey, and baseball games.  

    Of course, you will also still get to enjoy many things you did at home. Here are a few things you might like to do in Canada, along with how much each costs:  

    • Visit a renowned museum (many offer free evenings, and entrance for young people or students) 

    • Meet a friend for coffee ($1.76 CAD at coffee chain Tim Hortons) 

    • Rent skates and go ice-skating outdoors (about $10 CAD)

    • Watch a movie in theaters (about $15 CAD)

    • Eat dinner at a casual restaurant (about $15-25 CAD)

    Insurance costs 

    Canada has a publicly-funded health system. However, each province and territory administers its own healthcare. Whether or not you can receive publicly-funded medical coverage will depend on where you are in Canada.  

    If you don’t qualify for public healthcare, your institution might require you to enroll in a specific insurance plan or find your own private coverage. You should check with your institutions about exactly what coverage you need to study safety in Canada.  

    Hidden costs 

    Lots of hidden costs arise when studying abroad, and there are a few things students in Canada should keep in mind.  

    For one, it is expensive to own a cellphone in Canada. In fact, cell phone bills in Canada are among the highest in the world. Canadians pay $101 CAD/month, on average, for a cellphone plan.  

    You will also need to buy warm winter clothing – including a jacket, boots, socks, gloves, hat, and scarf. You can expect to pay about $300-$400 CAD for these items brand new. However, thrift stores might also carry winter clothing for much cheaper.  

    Finally, you shouldn’t forget about Canadian sales taxes. Taxes in Canada are higher than many places in the world and range from about 12%-15%.

  • Image- UK, 800px x 451px
    Cost of living in the UK
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    You may have heard that London is one of the most expensive places in the world to live in, but fortunately, London, and by extension, England, does not equate to the whole of the UK. In fact, many UK towns and cities are very liveable when compared to other cities across the globe.  

    There is quite a bit to look at when considering the cost of living in the UK. Apart from tuition fees, there’s also the cost of rent, transport, and even entertainment – because if you’re living in the UK, there’s no way you should miss out on everything that this great country has to offer- from the food to the culture.  

    Let’s look at some aspects of the UK cost of living, so you can best adjust your budget and prepare yourself for a new life abroad. 

    Calculating living costs in The UK 

    When looking at the cost of living in the UK, it’s best to use an online currency calculator to convert your currency to the British pound – that will give you a better idea of the true cost of living in relation to your country. 

    Here’s a rough guide to the currency conversions we have used in this article, dated March 27th, 2020:

    • AU$1,000 = £500

    • US$1,000 = £805

    • €1000 = £895

    Once you have a better understanding of the conversion rate, you can better interpret how much rent, utilities and other everyday costs will affect your budget.  

    A weekly UK budget 

    There are so many factors that contribute to the UK cost of living that it’s impossible to give you a set cost for each week. But a recommended starting point for a budget for a single student in the UK, per week, averages out to about £300. Let’s see how we got to this number (please note these costs are an average from across UK metropolitan cities, outside of the city center). 

  • Image- Australia, 609px
    12 Aussie slang words you need to know
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    If you dream of studying in Australia, be prepared to learn some slang. Aussies are known for their use of informal language. Many consider it part of their national identity.

    As this article by two Monash University linguists points out, Australia’s attachment to slang actually goes all the way back to some of the earliest English settlements in the country. 

     So, what slang words should you know before traveling “down under”? Here are 12 popular Australian slang words to get started: 

    1. Arvo

    “Arvo” means afternoon. According to the Australian National Dictionary Centre, the word was first recorded in 1920. In Australian English, an “-o” is commonly added to shortened words. Two examples are “ambo” (ambulance driver) or “rello” (relative) – but there are many more. 

    How to use it: I’m meeting my sister in the park on Sunday arvo.  

    2. Barbie

    “Barbie” is a short form of barbeque. In Australian English, “-ie” is also added to lots of abbreviated words. The word “selfie” is a good example of this; it was coined by an Australian man in 2002!  

    How to use it: We’re having a barbie tomorrow – do you want to come?  

     3. Chucking a sickie 

    “Chucking a sickie” means to take a sick day from work when you are not sick – or without a proper reason. Look, there’s that “–ie” again. 

    According to a 2018 study, nearly half of Australians who take off sick are actually chucking a sickie.  

    How to use it: I’m going to chuck a sickie on Monday to spend an extra day with my family. 

    4. Give someone a bell

    “To give someone a bell” simply means to call someone on the phone. It’s a term used both in Australia and the U.K.  

    How to use it: I’ll give you a bell tomorrow when I’m out of class. 

    5. Hard yakka

    “Hard yakka” means work hard. The word “yakka” – which first appeared in the 1840s – derives from the word for work (yaga). It comes from Yagara, an Indigenous language in Australia. 

    In fact, many Australian English words derive from Indigenous languages. Take a look at some more examples on ABC Learn English. 

    How to use it: Studying for my final English exam was hard yakka, but worth it.  

    6. Macca’s

    “Macca’s” is a nickname for Mcdonald’s. If you used the term Macca’s in the U.S. or Canada, you’d get some funny looks. But the term is very common in Australia. In fact, McDonald’s changed its name to Macca’s at stores across the country for Australia Day in 2013 – and still refers to itself as Macca’s today.  

    How to use it: I’m craving a cheeseburger. Where’s the closest Macca’s?  

    7. Mate

    “Mate” is a popular word for friend. And while it’s used in other English-speaking countries around the world, it has a special connection to Australia. In the past, mate has been used to address men,  but it can be gender-neutral.  

    In Australia, you’ll also hear mate used in an ironic sense. If someone is upset with an athlete’s play, for example, they might yell at the T.V.: “maattee!”  

    How to use it: G’day mate, how are you doing? 

    8. No worries 

    “No worries” is a common way to say that something is no bother – or even to say you’re welcome. It’s often used to assure people that everyone will be alright, and not to worry.  

    How to use it: “Thanks for taking that shift at work for me!” – No worries, I don’t mind at all.  

     9. She’ll be right

    “She’ll be right” is an optimistic way to say that everything will turn out okay in the end.  

    Now, why is the pronoun she used? “Australian English often uses the feminine pronoun she where standard English would use it. For example, instead of ‘it’ll be right’ Australians say ‘she’ll be right’,” explains the Australian National Dictionary Centre.  

     How to use it: I’m worried about applying to a university abroad. But I know if I work hard, she’ll be right.  

    10. Uey

    A “uey” is a U-turn. When you say it, it sounds like “You E”. Instead of saying make a uey, you’re more likely to hear an Australian say chuck a uey.

    How to use it: We’re going in the wrong direction! Chuck a uey up ahead to turn around.  

     11. Uni

    “Uni” is an abbreviation for – you guessed it – university. The word uni is used in both Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.; and while it’s not very common in Canada or the U.S., most people would still understand you if you said it. There are 43 unis in Australia – you can take a look at them here. 

    How to use it: My best mate from uni just had a baby. She looks just like him!  

     12. Veggo

    A “veggo” is a vegetarian. About 3% of the population in Australia say they’re vegetarian, while just 1% are vegan. But if you’re a veggo, you won’t have any issues shopping. There are lots of meat and dairy-free options available in supermarkets and restaurants.  

    How to use it: My brother is a veggo. He cooked some amazing veggie burgers on the barbie last weekend.