Why should I go to university?
Our team share their tips for researching your study options.
Going to university can bring significant benefits, from advancing your career and personal growth to acquiring valuable skills and broadening your horizons.
A university education can greatly improve your job prospects, boost your earning potential, and open up opportunities to develop skills and build meaningful connections.
Researching your options
With so many possibilities, it can be hard to know where to start. What do you want to study? Where do you want to study? These are all questions that are normal to ask yourself when exploring your options and getting a feel for what's right for you.
What course should I choose?
Choosing what to study at university might sound like a tricky decision, but you don’t have to know what exactly you want to do in the future – just knowing what you enjoy is enough. Start by asking yourself:
What should I look for in a course?
When comparing options, think about:
- Entry requirements: are your predicted grades a good match?
- Modules and content: will the course keep you interested?
- Work experience: are placements or hands-on opportunities included?
- Accreditation: is the course recognised by relevant professional bodies?
By reflecting on these questions, you can narrow down areas of study that align with your interests and strengths, even if you don’t have a specific career in mind yet. Keep an open mind and remember that your degree doesn’t lock you into one career – it's a foundation that you can build on in many ways.
Browse our A–Z list of undergraduate courses
Browse our A–Z list of undergraduate courses or search below to find the course for you.
Find your course
Choosing the right university for you
When choosing a university, it’s important to consider what matters most to you. For some, the location is a key factor, while others place greater value on the facilities, course options, or the overall student experience.
It can be tempting to apply to universities you’ve simply heard of, or to follow where your friends are going, but taking the time to do your own research will help you find the best fit for you. Here are a few key aspects of a university worth exploring:
University study can be very different to school, with the style of teaching, teaching methods and contact hours varying depending on the institution and subject. Some subjects might have lots of lectures and seminars, while others involve more practical work or self-directed study. It’s a good idea to look into how each course that you’re interested in is taught so you know what to expect and can find a learning style that suits you.
You might also want to look at each university's Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) rating. TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students. It aims to encourage higher education providers to deliver excellence in teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes. NTU has been awarded Gold for teaching in the 2023 TEF assessment. Our Gold rating means that, typically, the student experience at NTU, and the outcomes it leads to are outstanding.
Location is a big factor for many students. Whether you want to be close to home or are looking to experience a new place altogether, or whether you’d like to live in a large city, a town, or somewhere quieter – think about how far away from home you’re comfortable to travel. You might also want to look at the cost of living in different parts of the UK to see whether different locations suit your budget.
Nottingham is based in the Midlands, which is the cheapest region to live as a student in England (National Student Money Survey 2024). Take a look at the cost of living in Nottingham.
There are some things that lectures and theories just can’t teach – and that’s employability. It's the broader set of skills and attributes that will enable graduates to be successful throughout their working life. That’s where our Employability Promise comes in. Our Promise ensures every undergraduate student gets eight weeks of hands-on, employer-facing experience as standard.
You’ll have access to specialists, training, and real-world opportunities to help build the skills that matter.
Many of our courses also offer year-long industry placements at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. From your first day to long after graduation, we’ve got your future covered - and we stand by our promise.
At NTU, there are over 100 student societies and more than 60 sports clubs you can join, ranging from academic and cultural groups to hobbies, performing arts, and volunteering. Nottingham Trent University Student’s Union (NTSU) is central to campus life, offering events, support services, and facilities like cafes, bars, and a gym.
The university also places a strong focus on wellbeing and support, with services for mental health, support and employability. Whether you’re into sport, music or just want to meet new people, NTU offers plenty of ways to get involved and make the most of university life.
NTU is also ranked 2nd in the UK for Student Life as voted for by students (Uni Compare 2025).
From classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to chill-out areas and on-site dining, you’ll want to see first-rate facilities designed to support you throughout your university experience. Check out some of our facilities at NTU.