The pie charts provide information about the five main reasons why students chose to study at a particular UK university in 1987 and 2007. Overall, it can be clearly seen that suitable degree courses accounted for the largest proportion in both years.
In 1987, suitable degree courses accounted for the largest proportion, at 35%. This was followed by quality of resources at 21%. Good sports and social activities accounted for 19%, while the quality of teaching made up 15% of the reasons. In contrast, the importance of being close to parents made up the smallest share, at 10%.
In 2007, suitable degree courses rose slightly from 35% to 37%. Similarly, the importance of being close to parents increased to 22%. Meanwhile, the proportion of student choosing universities for their resources fell by 4% to 17%. There were also declines in the percentage of good sports and social activities and quality of teaching, at 6% and 8% respectively.