What to Consider When Comparing Universities Online

From online lectures and seminars to online exams and, in some cases, even online graduation ceremonies, many aspects of university life have moved online in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fortunately, technology can help us do this. But if you can no longer attend open days, how do you decide which university to go to?

In most cases, technology is used as a supplement to campus visits when choosing where to study. But sometimes you have to make your decision without visiting in person.

Here are some factors to consider when comparing universities:

• Course content - Look at how the program is structured, whether you can choose different pathways, how much freedom you have when selecting modules, and so on.
• Location - Consider transport links, where it is in the world, job prospects if you plan to stay in the town or city after graduation, and the cost of living in the area.
• Academic reputation - Find out how the university is regarded: what are the entry requirements? Is its degree as widely recognized as those from other universities?
• Graduate employability - Do graduates from the university have strong employment outcomes? Does the university have links with employers?
• Study abroad - If studying abroad matters to you, how much support does the university offer in this area, and can you take part in international exchange study overseas?
• Affordability - Compare tuition fees, accommodation costs, and the cost of living near the university.
• Student satisfaction - Find out what current students think. What do they say about student life?
• Student life - What activities are available around campus? What is the student union like? Are there clubs and societies you would want to join?

How can you find out more without leaving home?

Use university rankings

QS offers a range of university rankings to help you find the right university. You can find all available rankings here.

QS takes pride in the transparency of its ranking methodology, and the number of universities included in each ranking grows year by year.

QS rankings can be used to compare a range of factors, from location, academic reputation, and employer reputation to graduate employability and student satisfaction. Rankings are a useful way to compare universities across different indicators.

If you are looking to study for an undergraduate degree or a master's degree, we recommend taking a look at the following rankings.

• QS World University Rankings® - Gives you an overview of the best universities in the world.
• QS World University Rankings by Subject - Reveals the top universities in each subject area worldwide.
• QS Graduate Employability Rankings - Highlights the universities that perform best in preparing students for employment after graduation.

Although we do not know how long restrictions will last, we do know they will not last forever, so it is important to choose a university that suits you. For some people, this factor may matter more than others.

If location is an important factor in your university choice, make sure you do your research carefully. Find out what is happening in the area and what student life is like there.

Rankings can help you learn more about student life in each place, and they are especially useful if you are considering studying abroad but are not sure where to go.

• QS university rankings by region - highlight the best universities in Latin America, Asia, the Arab region, BRICS countries, and emerging Europe and Central Asia (EECA).
• QS university rankings by location - provide an overview of the world's most popular study destinations.
• QS Best Student Cities - if you are interested in studying abroad, this ranking shows which cities are popular with students and offer strong graduate prospects.

Check university websites

University websites are full of detailed information about courses, student life, accommodation, and prices.

Some universities even offer online tours, giving you the chance to attend a virtual open day and get a real feel for the university.

Take a look at the university's online learning resources, because access to resources online is undoubtedly part of the future and will play an essential role in your university experience.

You can also explore the university's careers service: what help does it provide for students looking for work experience and jobs after graduation, and what resources are available for students and alumni?

Ask questions on social media

Take a look at the university's social media pages. They usually post images and information about events happening at the university.

If you have any questions, you can usually contact the university directly, and Twitter is especially useful for this.

Join QS online events

QS offers a range of online events for students who want to speak directly with university representatives and learn more about specific programs. These events are a great way to get answers to your questions and build valuable connections with people who can advise and support your application.