I’ve learnt a lot as a student at a private university, both positively and negatively. Looking back, I feel that there were many crucial aspects I needed to have taken into account before choosing my university. I might have made a better choice if someone had told me these things beforehand. Many students only focus on the name of the university or its advertisements. But there are deeper issues that can affect both their education and future careers. So, here are some key factors that I have learned from my own experience –
- UGC approval and proper recognition:
When I first applied to university, I didn’t give much thought to whether it was properly approved or not. I simply assumed that if a university existed, it must be valid. I later discovered that the University Grants Commission (UGC) must approve all universities in Bangladesh. Employers and other educational institutions may not accept a degree without this approval. Graduates could find it difficult to find employment or continue their education without the right acknowledgement. Students should carefully review their authorisations before selecting a university to prevent issues later.
- Qualified teachers and student-teacher ratio:
I first believed that all universities must have faculty members with expertise and knowledge. But I subsequently discovered that some universities have a higher turnover rate or hire faculty who are not qualified. Faculty members at a good university should have solid academic backgrounds. Ideally, they should hold master’s or doctoral degrees from reputable universities.
Another important factor is the student-teacher ratio. If there are too many students in a classroom and not enough professors, students will not get sufficient attention. It will become challenging to participate in class discussions, ask questions, and receive feedback in large classrooms. A lower student-teacher ratio ensures a better learning experience and more personalised guidance from professors.
- Waivers, hidden fees and academic honesty:
Like many students, I was excited about the possibility of getting waivers. Many private universities offer merit-based waivers which can reduce the cost of the tuition. However, what I didn’t realise was that some universities also have hidden costs. These may include lab fees, exam fees, library charges or other unexpected expenses that increase the overall cost of studying. Some universities even reduce or remove scholarships after the first semester or in case of backlogs, making the education more expensive than expected.
Another issue is academic integrity. Some universities have a reputation for grade inflation, where it is very easy for students to score a high grade. While others do not take plagiarism seriously. A degree from a university with a poor academic standard may not be well respected by employers or other institutions. Before enrolling, students must research these factors and talk to current students to get an idea of the real situation.
- Academic process and learning environment:
When I was applying for university, I mostly focused on whether I would get in or not. I didn’t think much about how the admission process affects the overall quality of the education provided. A university that admits students without any proper screening process may not have a strong academic environment. If a university accepts students with very low qualifications just to fill seats, it might mean that they are more focused on profit than the quality of education.
A good admission process ensured the students who are admitted are serious and capable. This helps maintain a competitive and inspiring learning environment. It will also make studying more motivating, meaningful and engaging.
- Clubs, events and research opportunities:
At first, I believed that university was only about attending classes, passing exams and getting the degree. But after spending some time at the university, I realised that extracurricular activities play a big role in personal and professional development. Universities that do not have active student clubs, events or research opportunities may not provide a complete learning experience.
Clubs help students develop leadership skills and teamwork and expose them to networking opportunities. Events like seminars, workshops and competitions expose them to new ideas and practical knowledge. Research opportunities are also important, especially for those who want to pursue higher studies. Universities with well-equipped libraries, labs and research centres can provide better learning experiences than those that lack these facilities.
- Job placements, alumni support and foreign partnerships:
When I started university, I didn’t think much about what would happen after my graduation. But now, I understand that job placement opportunities can make a huge difference. A good university should have strong connections with industries and companies to help their students find jobs and internships. Some universities even have career counselling services and career fests that guide students in finding the right career path. Another important factor is alumni support. Universities with active alumni networks provide students with valuable guidance and networking opportunities.
Lastly, foreign partnerships and affiliations can add great value to a degree. Some universities have collaborations with international institutions that allow students to participate in exchange programmes or pursue higher education abroad more easily. Before choosing a university, students should check if it has a strong industry and international connections.
If I had known all these things before taking admission, I may have made a different choice. Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions in a student’s life. Thus, it should be made carefully. Universities often promote themselves with advertisements, but students must look beyond the surface and do proper research.
Now it is your time to choose! Remember, your future is in your hands, so choose wisely and make the best decision for yourself!