The two pie charts show why students chose a university in the UK in 1987 and 2007. Overall, suitable degree courses were the main reason in both years, while sports and social activities became much less important in 2007.
In 1987, the biggest proportion of students, 35%, selected a university because of suitable courses. Quality of resources was the second reason at 21%. Good sports and social life accounted for 19%. Quality teaching made up 15%, and only 10% of students chose a college because it was close to their parents’ home.
In 2007, suitable courses increased a little to 37%. Living near home became more important, rising to 22%. Quality teaching also went up to 18%. However, resources dropped to 17%. The largest fall was in sports and social activities, which decreased very sharply to just 6%.
