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One in five regrets choice of university (and not doing enough course research)

Schools encourage pupils to do as much research as possible before applying to university.

But even so, a new report has revealed that one in five undergraduates feel they made the wrong choice of university.

Research by The Student Room, an online student community, found that given the choice again more than 20 per cent of students would not choose their current university. Furthermore, 18 per cent said they regretted not having done enough research before applying, 17 per cent said they had chosen a university too far from home and 15 per cent admitted that pressure from other people had influenced their choice.

Just under a fifth said they had realised that university was not for them at all.

When it came to the course they were studying, 18 per cent of the 1,800 students who took part in the survey said they would not choose it again if they had a second chance. Forty-one per cent declared the course content was not what they had expected, and 19 per cent said their course would not help their future job prospects.

Hannah Morrish, The Student Room’s community manager, said: “Our research is concerning. It shows just how many students are making the wrong decisions at such a crucial point in their life.

“Students should thoroughly research their prospective courses by reviewing the module content, assessment methods and even browsing some of the core textbooks before making a decision.

“Look for courses that will give you core skills in leadership, teamwork and even basic administration to help with future employability. Courses that include a placement or internship can also give students a competitive edge following graduation.

“Universities should think about how they structure their courses to ensure students are better prepared for today’s job market and clearly outline the benefits of studying courses in relation to potential career opportunities.”