The diagrams illustrate the reasons why students chose a particular college or university in the UK in 1987 and 2007.
Overall, the most common reason was suitable degree courses, which accounted for 35% in 1987 and increased slightly to 37% in 2007. In contrast, the proportion of students choosing universities for good sports and social activities was 19% in 1987 and decreased significantly to 6% in 2007. Meanwhile, the percentage of selecting a university close to their parental home rose sharply from 10% to 22% over the period.
Looking at the main reasons, suitable degree courses were the most popular choice in both years, accounting for 35% in 1987 and 37% in 2007. The number of students choosing universities for the quality of resources declined from 21% to 17% over the period. Similarly, the figure for good sports and social activities decreased significantly from 19% in 1987 to 6% in 2007.
As for the other reasons, the percentage of students selecting a university close to their parental home rose sharply from 10% to 22%. Meanwhile, the number of students choosing quality teaching grew slightly, from 15% to 18% over the period.
