The bar graph illustrates the main reasons why students chose a particular university in the UK between 1997 and 2007.
Overall, students’ priorities changed noticeably over the period. Factors such as the availability of suitable degree courses, proximity to home, and quality of teaching became more important, whereas the importance of quality of resources and sports and social facilities declined.
Regarding the increases, the proportion of students choosing a university close to home rose significantly, from around 10% in 1997 to approximately 22% in 2007. Similarly, the importance of suitable degree courses and quality of teaching showed a gradual rise over the period.
In contrast, good sports and social activities experienced the sharpest fall, decreasing from about 19% to just 6% by 2007. Likewise, the quality of resources became a less significant factor, dropping slightly from around 21% to 17% over the same period.
improved version
