The given charts illustrate the primary reasons why students opt to study at a specific UK university in 1987 and 2007.
Overall, it is evident that there was an increase in the proportion of students who chose suitable degree courses, and closing to parental home, while an opposite trend was seen in the other reasons. In addition, the percentage of students opting for suitable degree courses had the highest figure in both years.
At the start of the period, suitable degree courses was the most common reason, accounting for 35%. Significantly lower were the proportion of students choosing quality of resources and good sports and social activities, at 21% and 19% respectively. Finally, the figure for quality of teaching and closing to parental home started at just 15% and 10% in turn.
In 2007, the proportion of students who opted for suitable degree resources witnessed slight growth, rising to 37%. Similarly, being close to parental home experienced a considerable rise, jumping to 22% by 2007. In contrast, the figure for those who chose quality of resources and teaching, good sports and social activities saw a notable decline, dropping to 17%, 8% and 6% in that order.