Homework on college is important

Choosing a university is a serious business and prospective students should do their homework to ensure their chosen institution helps them develop into well-rounded individuals.

Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, dean of undergraduate education at the City University of Hong Kong, and Dr Albert Chau Wai-lap, dean of student affairs at the University of Hong Kong, share some tips.

Think hard about the future. Do you want a professional career in accounting or engineering, for example, or is your degree a stepping stone to higher education, such as a PhD?

If choosing a profession, ensure the university is a strong professional school with international accreditation, giving you a greater choice of countries where you can work.

Attend workshops or seminars offered over the summer at different universities to learn more about the programme you're interested in applying for.

Examine the curriculum of the programme you want to study. Will it enhance your development in subjects outside of your programme, such as cultural awareness and communication skills? Can you gain expertise in other areas, such as accounting and law? Employers like students with diverse backgrounds.

Does the university offer adequate support programmes to help you make the transition from secondary school to university life?

Understand the mission and atmosphere of the university. What opportunities are offered for development of the whole person outside of the lecture halls?

You can't study round the clock, so look at the university's extra-curricular activities, such as sports, clubs or societies to see if they interest you.

Consider a university where you can live with complete strangers in a students' hall: it adds another dimension to your student life.

Check if the university offers exchange programmes to experience other cultures and languages.

Make sure you have the opportunity to apply the knowledge you've learned through summer internships or apprenticeships.