School v University
There are some really big differences between school and university and most of it comes down to independence:
It's up to you to go to lectures and hand in work on time. Lecturers won't chase you up, but if you don't pass the year, you won't progress and it can be an expensive mistake.
Typical universities house between three and fifty thousand students.
You are not in University from 9am-3pm, Monday - Friday. You may have eight hours a week taught time, longer if you are on a science based course. But that extra time is for you to do your own study, whether it's working in the library on research, testing something in science or engineering labs, or producing work in art studios or media labs. It's up to you to manage your time and your workload.
You can live at university, most have Halls of Residence. These are where students (usually first years) live on or near the campus in your own room in a block of flats. Types of accommodation vary, some have meals included, some have kitchens for you to do your own cooking, some have shared bathrooms and some are en-suite.
Universities usually have loads of facilities
Costs will also vary between types of rooms and between universities. To support students there are facilities on site such as shops, canteens, launderettes, fitness centres, health centres, bars and clubs.
You will be taught differently to school or college. You may be in a lecture with 300 people, seminars with 20- 30 or tutorials with 4-5 people.
