The two pie charts show variation in reasons to study at the UK’s unspecified university in 1987 and 2007. Overall, reasons exhibited both upward and downward trends over the period. Choosing the university due to suitable degree programs was the most common motivation in both years, closely followed by studying because of the quality of teaching and closeness to the parental home, despite differing rates. It is also apparent that undertaking tertiary education for quality of resources and good sports and social activities diminished appreciably across the years.
In 1987, suitable degree courses constituted the largest share of motivations at 35%, with quality of resources and good sport and social activities closely following at 21% and 19%, respectively. Conversely, studying because of quality teaching and being close to the parental home comprised smaller proportions at 15% and 10%, respectively.
In 2007, suitable degree courses remained the primary driving factor, increasing marginally to 37%. Similar upward trends can be observed in the proportions of students influenced by nearness to their parental home, and high-quality teaching accounted for 22% and 18%, respectively. In contrast, the quality of resources became the least important reason, declining to 17%, whereas sports and social activities recorded the largest decrease, to 6%.