First things first: top of the list
Colin and Donald (both 18) are about to start university life. They have just finished high school near Perth in Scotland, where they have lived for eight years.

In their search for the right university some things were more important than others. ‘Location’ said Donald (heading for Brighton), ‘was the top of my list. I wanted somewhere warm - and not too near home.’ So Donald zoomed in on universities in the South East of England. Luckily for him most places offered degrees in Business Studies, his chosen subject.

In contrast, Colin (heading for Huddersfield) said ‘the course came first’. There is a smaller choice in Automotive Engineering degrees, so it had to - even though Colin later switched his degree topic to Marketing.

Twin tactics
Once the most important factor was decided, the brothers went into two totally different modes to research their shortlists. Colin (right) energetically dragged his parent to various cities, to check things out first-hand, or phoned and spoke to people to size up reality, whilst Donald relaxed into browsing literature and taking virtual tours.

Despite the difference in styles these young men do more or less agree on the overall list of essentials. These are: quality of accommodation, internet and sport facilities, social life and public transport.

Their top tips for all would-be students are to look for as many images as you can of the university and its location, and to read the reviews by other students.  

The really serious list
Happily for Colin and Donald, parental pressure was never an issue; with good common sense and trust their parents let each son make their own decisions. Although more or less certain they have made the right choices, the twins still have a few last minute doubts. These are about the decision to carry on studying rather than working, about the cost of living and whether their pending exam results will meet the grades required. To take their minds off their concerns, they’re making another list: essential things to take to university. The list is: computer, clothes, music kit. What’s on yours?

Anatole
October 2005