What are the criteria to choose the universities to study abroad?

When you have made the big decision to go abroad for higher studies, it becomes vital to know what factors or criteria to consider while choosing a university.

After all, the next few years of your life, you would be moulding yourself to become a graduate, who can contribute something significant to the world. Therefore, you must be extra careful while deciding or picking a university for your higher education.

Here are a few important criteria to consider while zeroing in on a university:

* Course/ Subject:
The university that you are opting for has to provide a course/subject which you wish to study. If it provides you with an alternative, then do not consider it. It is vital to follow your interests, given the fact that you are giving your time and money to it. Hence, consider those universities alone which have the course you are looking for.

* Financial aid:
Surviving in a foreign nation without proper financial backup could turn into a disaster. Find the universities which provide financial aid and where there isn't too much competition to get one for yourself.

* Part-time job options:
When you are in a different country, you might want to have a part-time job handy to take care of your expenses for which you need not depend on somebody. Most universities will allow you to work part-time, only after the first 6 months of studies. However, some universities allow students to start working part-time, the day they begin their studies. Find and apply to those universities.

* Location:
You must keep in mind, the location of the university. This is important for many reasons. If the university is located in rural or suburban areas, then the cost of living (if you choose to live off campus) will be less. On the contrary, if the university is located too far away from the urban areas, then finding part-time jobs will be difficult.

* Climate:
If you cannot withstand extreme temperatures, then it could have an adverse effect on your health. There is no way you will be able to concentrate on your studies if you keep falling ill. Therefore, choose the university which is located in a place which has a stable or almost stable weather or climate around the year.

* Language:
If the official language is something you aren't familiar with, then it could be a problem. If the university requires you to learn a different language for admissions, then you might want to think over it again. What if the subjects were taught in their official language? Will you be able to grasp it easily? Will you be able to read, write, speak and understand within the time limit you have? You must consider these questions before choosing such universities.

* Duration of course:
Find the university which will provide you with the same knowledge and essential data in shorter term as against those which extend it unnecessarily.

* Tuition fee:
Some can afford the fee for the whole duration. However, if you are opting for education loan then you must pick those universities which offer good education at lower costs. Most of the Indian banks give a maximum of 20 lakhs for education loans. Therefore, choose universities which come under the budget and where you will be able to repay the loan with ease.

* Placements:
Be sure to know if the placement activity at the university is good. Find out which companies come to recruit the students and the average package the students of that universities end up with.

When you are in a different country with people you have never met, you will have a lot of challenges ahead, but you must never fall out of focus. Keep in mind that your purpose is to get that degree you aimed for.

If you need further tips on dealing with trouble some roommates refer this "Student Life: How to deal with a problematic roommate"

Or if you require tips on how to transiting from dorm to off-campus life refer this: "Ways to transit from dorm to off-campus life"