Blogs

At the University of Neuchâtel, things work on a small scale. Professors and students know each other and often stop for a chat in the corridors or engage in friendly conversation while waiting in line at the cafeteria.

Having just obtained a bachelor degree in natural systems, I am currently pursuing a master’s programme in hydrogeology and geothermics at this small university.

Nowadays, students seem to select their study programme, as well as their university, more carefully than in the past.

Big name universities or programs are certainly more aspired for, hoping that the big name will support shaping a future career.

That trend is still continuing, but surprisingly, a parallel trend has emerged over the last years.

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is focused on natural and environmental sciences. This focus also creates a hub for researchers and students that share similar interests.

For me, it has been thrilling to meet students from different nationalities and programs who are also motivated by science and its potential to make agriculture and forestry more sustainable.

Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and one of the most gorgeous città d’arte (cities of art) in Tuscany, Pisa is a small and not particularly populous city. So let’s face it: studying here is not as much fun as studying say, in San Francisco. However, the whims of history have made Pisa one of the most vital junctions of student life around Europe.

In particular, this is due to the presence of the Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS), Italy’s most prestigious and selective university. La Scuola, as its students lovingly call it, has made its tiny scale its crucial strength.

In terms of number of students, École Polytechnique (also known as l’X) has to admit its small size.

With about 2,000 students on campus, Southeast University in China). The small size means there is a limited quota of places, and the university is highly selective - which explains the difficulty in gaining admittance.

Recent research found that 71 per cent of 2,460 students currently experience or have experienced some form of mental illness including depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

Another statistic from this research, which universities should sit up and take notice of, is that 40 per cent of these students would much rather conceal their condition than discuss it with a mental health professional, stating that they would feel “too ashamed” or “too worried” to speak up. This piece of research was conducted by the Student Housing Company. 

When choosing a university, students often think about which city they are going to live in for the next few years. They may be most concerned about the country, the rental price or the quality of public transportation. They may want to go to sunny Los Angeles or experience London's night life.

However, living in Paris as a student, a young man and a foreigner has taught me that there is another important factor to consider: love.

Elise Thrale is a second year French and Italian student at the University of Bristol

I began my degree completely unacquainted with Italian. After arriving late to my first ever seminar, my tutor asked me in Italian what my name was. I just stared at her until she spoke to me again in English. 

Across the UK, students and staff at colleges and universities are celebrating the impact of social action in their communities.

When I was 17 and putting together my UCAS application, I only applied to London universities.  I could not be swayed by well-meaning teachers or sensible family members who encouraged me to keep an open mind and explore the whole of the UK. London was the only place I wanted to be a student. A few years on and now London has just been named one of the best cities in the world to be a student, I would say I made the right decision.