The pie charts give information about the main reasons why students choose a particular university in the UK, in 1987 and 2007. Overall, the largest proportion of students chose suitable degree courses in both years, while proximity to home and good sports and social activities were the least popular reasons in different years.
Turning to the details, in 1987, suitable degree courses were the most popular reason among UK students at 35% and this figure increased by 2% in 2007. This was followed by the quality of teaching at 15%, which then rose to 18% in 2007. Another reason for choosing a university was proximity to home. Although it was the least popular reason among UK students with only 10% in 1987, it grew to 22% in 2007.
The remaining two reasons showed a downward trend. Quality of resources, in 1987, 21% of students chose a university for this reason, but this share dropped to 17%. Finally, in the first year, good sports and social activities accounted for 19% of UK students. However, in the second year, this proportion dramatically decreased to just 6% and became the least popular reason.
