University fairs are exciting and busy. The best way to get the most out of your time at one is to prepare in advance. You might find that you have a limited amount of time with each university or college representative, so there are some questions that it would be useful for you to prepare first.
- What subject(s) do you want to study?
- When do you want to start your course?
- Do you have any thoughts on the career you might want to pursue?
It is also useful to have information ready for the representative so that they can give you the correct information. Make sure you know:
- Your current school.
- Which curriculum you are studying (IB, American, British, local and so on).
- What subjects you are studying.
- What exams you are preparing for/have completed (IB, A-Levels, Highers and so on).
Once the representatives have all this information, they can provide you with more targeted advice.
University/course questions
There are lots of courses and universities out there, so these questions are a good way to help you compare your options.
- How are your courses taught (tutorials, seminars, practical sessions)?
- Are classes available online or in-person?
- Where does your university rank, compared with other institutions?
- What is the workload for the course like?
- How many contact hours are included in this course?
- How is this course assessed (exam, dissertation, coursework and so on)?
World University Rankings 2023
Questions for international students
As an international student, it’s always useful to know a bit more about the international student community and how a university supports and integrates them into the student body.
- How do you help international students connect with others?
- How diverse is your student body?
- Will I have the chance to connect with other students from my home country?
- How do you support international students?
- Do you have an international student team?
- Do you offer support with visa applications, accommodation searches and the like?
Settling in as an international student
Student life
Life at university is made up of so much more than your studies, so make sure you find out what else the university can offer you. Current students from the university will often be around to provide some answers on university life.
- What extracurricular opportunities are there for me?
- How easy is it to find part-time work?
- What student support is there at the university?
- What are the best things about studying here?
- What facilities are available on campus?
- Do you have a medical centre?
- Is there mental health support on campus?
- Do you have a student union?
- Do you offer career advice for graduating students?
Application questions
Once you find a university and a course that interests you, it’s good to find out all the application information so you are prepared to start the process.
- What are your entrance requirements?
- When do your courses begin?
- What is the application deadline?
- How long does it take to find out if I am accepted or not?
- What can I do to improve the chances of my application succeeding?
- Is there any advantage in submitting my application early?
- Will I need to attend an interview or applicant day after submitting my application?
Language questions
Not all universities will teach programmes in your language, so it’s important that you ask about any requirements for applying and studying there.
- Do you have language requirements to study at your university?
- Can I study any other languages during my studies?
- How do you support students who are learning another language for their programme?
English language requirements and tests
Financial questions
Finances are a huge part of studying abroad, so make sure you ask about all of the costs and any financial aid options on offer so you can plan accordingly.
- What does it cost to study at your university as an international student?
- Are there any additional fees for this course?
- What kind of financial aid/scholarships are available for my subject or for international students?
Employment questions
Many students choose to work part-time during their studies. However, there are certain requirements that international students need to meet if they want to work while studying abroad.
- Can I work while I am studying or during vacation time?
- Do you offer campus jobs for students?
- Can I apply to work on campus before I arrive?
- What networking opportunities are offered?
- Are there career services at your university?
- What percentage of graduate students find jobs in their career field within six months?
- Does the university have links with specific employers?
Careers and graduate employability advice
Master’s and PhD questions
If you already have your undergraduate degree, you might want to ask more specialised questions to do with a master’s or PhD programme.
- Do I need a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study?
- Do I need relevant work experience for admission?
- Does this master’s programme include internships?
- Is this a teaching or research-based programme?
- Do you have a professor I can speak to regarding my PhD proposal?
Accommodation questions
Finding accommodation from another country can be tricky. Many universities offer on-campus accommodation or assistance to ensure their students have a nice place to live during their studies.
- Is there on-campus accommodation?
- What is the monthly/annual cost?
- How many students are allocated to each room?
- What are the options if I decide not to stay on campus?
- Do you offer accommodation assistance?
- Do you have a list of approved living areas?
- Is it safe?
- Is the accommodation single-sex or mixed?
How to find student accommodation
Location questions
When we are choosing a university we often focus on the campus or institution itself and learn about the area once we arrive. But there is no harm in asking about the location in advance.
- Where is the university located?
- What kind of activities are there for students?
- Do you have good transport links?
- Does it cost a lot to live there?
- Is it near to any major cities, airports or well-known destinations?
Finally, confidence is key. This is a great chance to make a good first impression on your future university. So show your interest, be prepared, try to speak in the required language of the university to show your skill and take notes of all the conversations you have.
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