How to choose the right university?

Being an international student in today’s day and age is amazing, so many options, opportunities are out there all waiting eagerly to help you, listen to you, offer you the best the world can offer. However, it is equally confusing and scary to begin with, with so many options, surety of which is the right fit is not always clear. 

Here are some guidelines to help you cut out the noise and follow your call. 

1. Accreditation & Global Reach: Look for a university that’s not only offers the course you are looking for, but also is globally recognized because this is a ever changing new world we live in and global acceptance is the key. Go Global
2. Value for money: There are some really amazing options where you can finish your degree in a much cost effective way than investing a fortune on getting that degree. Consult right people to help you out, this brings to my best point 
3. Campus & Infrastructure: Check out their campus, look for virtual tour if you can not go and visit them during Open House. Most of the universities have integrated virtual tours on websites, check them out. Look at their YouTube, Instagram, Facebook pages and get a hang of the student activities, campus and the hostel facilities they offer.
4. Finding right people: Look for agencies or counselor who can tell you more than just visa and stay back options in any country. Because trust me, no matter how wonderful stay back options any country offers, there is no replacement for a strong degree and a prestigious university. 
5. Keep your focus right: Find the university and course that fits your vision for life rather that just getting swayed by immigrants and PR options. Especially at undergraduate level, focus more on what the university offers on education and skills level, opportunities to grow and develop and career opportunities that come with it.
6. Handling of Covid 19 crisis and International Students : This pandemic brought a new addition to list, look for universities which stood with their international students, provided them resources and help during these uncertain and scary times. Those are the universities and community you want to be part of.
7. Career Opportunities: Find out on what opportunities the university offers to you along with a strong degree, because in today’s world, you need it all. Look for the career center and their success stories, try and connect with student ambassadors and have a chat, see if they offer any entrepreneurship accelerator programs or help in developing the budding entrepreneur in you. 
8. Research: Lastly and most importantly, do a lot of research. There are so many websites with university details and program details, find the universities that offer your program. Find out the social media pages of those universities and look, how the student life is there, look for student and alumni testimonials, campus and the facilities that come along. Research on the professors, who will be the most crucial in your education. This is the most crucial part, to understand if you feel a sense of belonging to the place before you make a move. 

Finding the right university can be daunting, but do not let that be, talk to the right people. I am always happy to help students and parents decide the biggest investment of their lives. Happy researching and good luck!