Four essential things to consider when choosing a university

So your teen has made the decision to go to university when they finish high school. They may even know what they want to study. But how do they go about choosing the right university for them? Ultimately the decision should be up to them, however as a key influence and support person in their life they will value your input into this big decision.

New Zealand offers many world-class institutions to choose from that are among the top universities in the world. Here are some tips for what to look for when you and your child are deciding where they should study.

1. A university that performs well in world university rankings – and beyond

_{World university rankings are one thing to think about when comparing institutions.}

One of the things people tend to look at when comparing institutions are world university rankings, in particular the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings, which are updated every year. These provide an indication of how well a university is doing internationally in areas such as research, teaching and global outlook. Each ranking system is calculated slightly differently, with weight given to different aspects.

The THE World University Rankings put AUT in the top 50 young universities in the world, but also reveal that the university is performing better than any other institution in the country for international outlook (our ability to attract international students and staff, and how well we engage and collaborate with overseas universities). AUT’s research and facilities are internationally recognised, and our academics are at the top of their fields.

As valuable as world university rankings can be, where a university is ranked is not the only marker of success. Consider also how a university will prepare your child for a career in the real world. Younger universities like AUT are innovative, globally focused and adaptable to industry needs, which makes our graduates world-ready and highly sought after by employers around the world.

Another thing you should consider is how well the university supports your teen throughout their studies. For AUT, that is a major focus and we offer some of the most comprehensive student support in the country.

2. A university that prepares students for the future

_{In a constantly changing, digital world, technology-focused and practical education is key.}

In today’s ever-changing world where new technologies, platforms and ways of doing things are constantly evolving. It’s vital your child’s education exposes them to technologies they’ll be using in the workplace and the skills to adapt to new and emerging ways of working before they graduate. Learning the theory behind things is very important, however it’s only by diving right in and getting hands-on that you truly learn the skills to thrive in the modern workplace.

As a university of technology, AUT has technology hard-wired into our programmes and facilities. We’re home to industry-leading learning facilities, from 3D printing and motion capture labs to AUT Millennium and the Roche Diagnostics Laboratory. Our innovative buildings, such as our Engineering, Technology and Design building, are designed so students can see the theory they are learning in action.

At AUT, we have a big focus on education that prepares students for the workplace. This is why we incorporate interactive lessons into the classroom, and many of our programmes offer workplace experience and internship programmes that expose students to the real world of work before they even graduate. For example, Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) students spend more than half of their time in clinical practice (2,400 hours), while Bachelor of Education students start teaching practicums in different schools from their very first year of study. As a result of workplace experience such as this, 91% of our bachelor’s graduates have workplace experience when they graduate.

3. A university with a global focus

New Zealand is lucky to have some incredible tertiary institutions. But the reality is we’re a small country quite isolated geographically from the rest of the world. Because of the growing interconnectedness of the working world, the best universities in New Zealand know it’s important to have a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and communities.

A global worldview is also incredibly beneficial to working in a diverse environment. Kiwis are known for their sense of adventure and love of travelling - you may have done an OE in your twenties yourself. If you did, you’ll know how rewarding travel can be. Universities that offer students the opportunity to experience life and study in another country as part of their degree will open them up to so many new opportunities and experiences that will help them develop into culturally aware, empathetic citizens of the world highly valued by employers.

At AUT, we encourage students to take advantage of overseas exchange opportunities to broaden their horizons. We also have a large number of international students who study here, so our classrooms are very diverse. We’re home to more than 27,000 students from almost 140 countries.

We're the number one university in New Zealand for international outlook for a reason!

4. A university with heart

_{In addition to its world-class programmes, choose a university on its vibrant student life.}

It’s essential to think about global university rankings, an international outlook and quality education when picking a university. However, your child also needs to enjoy their time studying and there’s more to a good university than what’s inside the classroom. Quality support, values, great people, student-centered facilities, student clubs and social activities all give a university a beating heart, making it a great place to learn.

Your child’s university experience will be more rounded, engaging and rewarding if they are surrounded by a positive support network and people who share their interests. In particular, look for:

• Somewhere other students and alumni would recommend studying.
• A range of clubs and societies that cater to different interests and activities.
• Support services for when your teen needs a helping hand.
• Sport and fitness facilities where your child can let off steam.
• A university that invests in modern, collaborative, sustainable learning spaces.

Come along to our most open day AUT LIVE to get a feel for our facilities, learning spaces, staff and students. Talking to people can be one of the best ways to understand what it could be like to study somewhere. And let’s be honest: The people make a place what it is! Most of all, talk to other students or their parents to get a feel for how they find the university atmosphere, whether they’re enjoying their time there and the sorts of things that make a difference to them.

Ultimately, the decision on where to study will be up to your child. However, you are a key influence in their decision, so by keeping these things in mind you can help support them as they weigh up their options.