The pie charts given illustrate the most significant reasons why UK students selected a particular university to study in 1987 and 2007.
Overall, it is clear that there is no huge difference between the reasons in both periods. However, it is evident that suitable degree courses dominate the charts in terms of percentage, while the quality of teaching accounts for relatively lower figures.
To begin with, suitable degree courses accounted for 35% in 1987, and in 2007 this figure increased slightly to 37%. However, the number of students seeking quality resources was surprisingly lower in 2007 than in 1987, standing at 17% and 21% respectively. Nevertheless, being closer to parents increased dramatically over the period. It was 10% in 1987 and rose to 22% by the end of 2007. In addition, the proportion of students looking for quality of teaching equalled 15% in 1987, while in 2007 it represented only 8%. Finally, in terms of good sports and social activities, this figure declined significantly over the period, falling from 19% in 1987 to just 6% by 2007.