The chart below shows the main reasons why students chose to study at a particular university in the UK in 1995 and 2005.
The bar chart illustrates the main reasons why students decided to pursue education at a particular university in the UK in 1995 and 2005.
Overall, suitable degree courses remained the most significant factor when choosing a university in both years. By contrast, the figures for the quality of resources and good sports and social activities experienced a decline over the period. Although proximity to parents’ homes and the quality of teaching were less influential at the outset, both figures increased by 2005, with the former overtaking sports and social activities.
In 1995, suitable degree courses were the most important factor for students when choosing a university, accounting for 35%. It was followed by the quality of resources and good sport and social activities at 21% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, the figures for quality of teaching and proximity to parents’ homes were considerably lower, standing at 15% and 10%.
By 2005, the figures for suitable degree courses, the quality of teaching, and proximity to parents’ homes had increased albeit to varying degrees. Suitable degree courses remained the most important reason, reaching around 37%. Meanwhile, the figures for proximity to parents’ home increased to almost 22%, while that for teaching quality reached 18%. Conversely, the proportions of students selecting the quality of resources and sports and social activities declined to approximately 17% and 6%, respectively.