With over 320 institutions to choose from it can be a daunting task to narrow study choices down to the six (only four for medicine, veterinary science or dentistry) allowed on the application form that is submitted to UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Apart from the usual considerations in choosing an institution of higher learning (countryside/city, large/small), there is the definite choice to be made as to traditional (one that has been around for some time), or the post-1992 universities that were formerly known as polytechnics. These newer institutions are apt to offer a broader scope of subjects that are more specifically related to industry. League Tables and Alternative Guides can be helpful, but should be taken with a grain of salt.

For university and course selection there simply is no substitute for personal research: browsing college Web sites, attending university presentations and making on-site visits on Open Days. UK universities welcome visitors, and students should schedule visits, if possible during the academic year or summer sessions so as to meet students and get a good feel for life on campus. (Except for Christmas break, French breaks don’t necessarily coincide with UK academic vacations.) It is a particularly good idea to ask friends, siblings, or EABJM alumni currently attending a university to host a visit.