Area choice: what are the decisive factors for first year students?
In their first semester, International Studies students choose one of the 8 areas that the programme offers, with an accompanying language. Which factors play a role in their decision? A student survey amongst first year students in April 2022 gave interesting insights into the mechanisms at play.
Probably the most important conclusion is that most respondents, 70%, say that they already had a strong choice for a region when they enrolled. Still, 69% indicates that they had a second region in mind that would have been equally acceptable.
There are various reasons why student choose a certain area. Next to personal interest (in the history and culture of the region, for example) and connections (family, friends) in the region, which many people mentioned without us even asking about it, the following factors were named most often by the 312 respondents:
- Language (80%)
- Career prospects (60%)
- Current events (58%)
- Interest due to prior travel to the region (53%)
24% of the respondents point out that the Area Fair was important for their choice. That may seem like a low figure, actually it is not bad at all, given the fact that many students already have a pretty good idea which area they want to choose when they start their studies. Visitors of the Area Fair mostly agree (79%) that the area fair lectures provide a good overview and insight into the region. Some lectures even made students change their mind regarding their area choice.
All in all, it became clear that many factors contribute to the area decision; for every individual the mix of factors is different. Nevertheless, only 29% say that they leave their choice till the last minute. And most importantly: 97% of the respondents indicate that so far they are satisfied with their area choice!
The next area fair is organised on Friday 28 October, 13:00-16:00 in Schouwburgstraat.
