The pie chart compare the fundamental reasons for the student’s decision to study at a specific UK university across the span of 1987 and 2007.
Overall, suitable degree courses were the most essential reason for studying in the UK in both years. However, the least reason for attending UK universities was a change from close to the parental home to good sports and social activities.
In 1987, the highest percentage of reasons for choosing a university was suitable degree courses, at 35% of the total. The figures for quality of resource and good sports and social activities were slightly lower at 21% and 19% respectively. Meanwhile, only 15% of students reached their decision based on quality of teaching and the lowest figure can be seen was close to parental, at 10%.
After 20 years, there was a minimal increase in the percentage of students enrolling at the university due to the two criteria were teaching quality and closeness to their parent, from 35% to 37% and from 15% to 18%, respectively. However, the figure for close to parental home grew twofold from 10% to 22% two decades later.
By contrast, the figure for the second most common reason in 1987, the quality of resources dropped consistently from 21% to 17% respectively. Similarly, there was a considerable drop in the figures for good sports and social activities from 19% to 6% which was the least popular factor for choosing a university in 2007.