When I think back to my last year of high school, I remember that everybody kept asking me the same question: “Which university are you going to?” What no one asked was why.
At first, I thought that it all came down to an institution’s reputation or choosing an undergraduate degree that looked good on paper. But once I started researching university life for myself, I realized I wasn’t just picking where I’d study; I was choosing the people I’d learn from, the city I’d call home and the opportunities I’d have over the next few years. In many ways, I was also shaping who I’d become, making this one of the biggest life decisions I’d ever face.
If you’re about to take that first step into higher education, you probably feel the same pressure. But the fact that you’re here reading about what to consider when choosing a university means you’re on the right path.
The truth is, no one expects you to have your entire future figured out right away. You don’t need to know what exact career you’ll have or where your life will go. But taking the time to sit with a few honest questions (even weighing pros and cons with your friends and family) before committing can help you find the university that’s right for you, not just academically, but personally, too.
Question 1: Are you passionate about a subject, or does it just sound sensible?
Figuring out what you want to study is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a university. Let’s face it: most students choose degrees in fields that seem practical or prestigious. After all, it pays to be as competitive as possible in today’s world. Family or societal expectations also play a huge role in shaping our choices. So, for me, this question helped me separate my own passions from external pressures.
An undergraduate degree represents thousands of hours of intense study. You’re choosing years of learning, not just a job title, so it’s best to take on subjects that you’re excited to study. Besides allowing you to pursue your passions, a genuine interest in your studies fuels motivation, engagement, academic success and, ultimately, career growth.
Question 2: Are you seeking a broad degree that keeps your options open, or something more specialized?
Selecting your undergrad degree doesn’t mean limiting yourself. At 17, I thought it meant locking in my choices for the rest of my life. But IE University showed me it doesn’t work like that. Hands-on projects and the transversal emphasis on multidisciplinary learning mean that I’m gaining real, transferable skills that I can apply across industries.
One thing I’ve come to appreciate here is the range of electives you can choose. These optional courses offer specialized knowledge in areas that complement your core area of interest. This system lets you personalize your learning, align your studies with concrete career goals, explore new fields and build a more competitive profile. It’s the perfect balance between broad, comprehensive education and career-specific specialization.
Question 3: What kind of campus life do you want for the next four years?
At IE University, I also discovered that learning doesn’t just happen in class. The environment that surrounds you becomes part of your education, too.
The diversity of the classmates that I’ve met here has had a huge influence on my overall university experience. With over 130 nationalities represented on campus, there are tons of opportunities to meet people from around the world, discover new ways of doing things and expand your worldview.
In terms of the location, do you see yourself in a buzzing urban campus, or a small-town feel? Lots of the programs at IE University let you choose whether to start out at IE Tower in Madrid or in Segovia, giving you more control over what kind of environment you’ll be immersed in.
Question 4: Do you want to study in a new city or country?
When thinking about what to consider when choosing a university, the biggest surprise for me, as an international student, was just how much studying abroad would redefine my future prospects. I’d never lived away from home, but suddenly, I was navigating another country, language and culture. And while it was challenging at first, the experience has made me more independent and resilient than I ever imagined.
It also exposed me to opportunities I wouldn’t have found anywhere else, from Spain’s finance and entrepreneurship ecosystem to its vibrant startup scene. In the end, I’ve found that grown just as much outside of the classroom as I have from my lectures.
Question 5: What do graduates of the program usually do? Does that feel like you?
Before choosing an undergraduate degree, it’s essential to understand what your future after graduation could look like. Check out program brochures and investigate: what are the most common job titles for alumni after graduation? Which companies have consistently been the biggest hirers? Do graduates typically work internationally or back home? You’ll quickly get an idea of what to expect.
Also, find out what career services the university offers. IE Talent & Careers, for example, offers tailored support through every step of your student journey, from intake to graduation and beyond.
Question 6: How will this decision affect the people you love?
Choosing a university is one of the first big decisions you’ll make that truly belongs to you, but it doesn’t always feel that way. The people closest to you will have opinions, hopes and worries of their own, and that’s not a bad thing. Your parents might want you close to home, somewhere they know and trust. They may encourage you toward a particular career path, or you may feel anxiety about leaving lifelong friendships behind, especially if you choose a new city to study. These conversations can be hard, especially when what your friends and loved ones want and what you want… don’t perfectly overlap.
There’s no formula for getting that balance right. But it helps to go into those conversations having already thought clearly about what you actually want. It’s not about winning an argument, but speaking honestly about what matters to you and listen to what matters to them. Moving away from friends and family for the first time, or studying something they didn’t expect, is a real transition.
I won’t lie. It can be painful on both sides, but it’s something that can be navigated. The right decision won’t erase the difficulty, but it will make it worth it in the long run.
How to make the call when nothing feels certain
In the end, choosing a university for your first degree is different from any other decision you’ll make. No one can tell you how to pick a university degree or which institution is the right one for you. That’s okay. This process isn’t about knowing all the things to consider when choosing a university or making the perfect choice; it’s about finding a place where you can learn, grow and discover new possibilities.
Scott is editor-in-chief of Uncover IE and Senior Content Manager at IE University. He holds degrees in English Literature and Spanish from Saint Louis University and has spent more than a decade working in content strategy, editorial leadership, journalism and multilingual communications.
