UNIVERSITY may be 12 months away for students just starting their final A-level year but it’s time for them to begin thinking about where they will be studying this time next year.

Choosing the right university or college is crucial to a successful outcome. Fortunately, most places of higher education prefer to make the process easier by holding open days that allow students a close-up view of life at university.

Knowing which subject you are likely to want to study will help to narrow down your search, as somecourses may only be offered by certain universities.

Some may organise specific open days for specific subjects, where you can talk to the lecturers likely to teach you.

University open days tend to be a mixture of organised talks and meetings that provide prospective undergraduates
with information on topics such as finance, accommodation and student support.

In addition, there should be the opportunity to chat with current students to find out what life on and off campus is like, including what sports and hobbies are catered for by university clubs and associations.

Another important factor that will perhaps influence where you study is the location of the university itself.

Some are campus-based – a self-contained community on one site – while others are scattered around a town or city.

You should spend some time visiting the locality, as you will almost certainly be spending time there.

Cost will be another factor in your choice of university.

Living costs in London may be higher than towns and cities farther north but there are also likely to be more student jobs in the capital, paying higher wages to offset part of your living costs.