The varying characteristics of a college are likely to influence your decision making when selecting which one to study in the UK.

Typically, college amenities and services will be one of the most important factors.

This may lead you to ask what level of student resources should be available when evaluating colleges?

Library:

One of the most important resources in Higher Education is the library. As an International student you should expect a well stocked academic library with information in a range of formats including CD, DVD, and video, which is relevant and up to date in your subject area.

College libraries will offer students access to a variety of resources including, desk space in a quiet location for independent study or group projects , a cataloging system to locate information, Internet and wireless access.

In addition, it is necessary to have a sufficient number of functioning photocopiers and access to a variety of periodicals and journals in your subject.

An excellent college library there will have extended opening hours and it will be well-stocked with the core publications for your course as well as supplementary information for detailed research.

Generally, postgraduate students who study in UK Higher Education Institutions, will have increased library privileges included within their course fees in comparison to undergraduate students, providing greater access to on line academic resources such as the specialist journals, research papers and articles.

As an example the SCONUL Access Scheme offers Post graduate students the ability to draw information from additional Academic libraries which are not affiliated with their college but may offer a greater range of subject specific research material.

IT Services:

All reputable colleges in the UK will have well-equipped IT resources providing abundant access to state of the art work stations, printing facilities and a help desk.

It is likely that the computer room will become a typical refuge for you while you are at University for completing coursework and keeping in touch with loved ones back home.

Computer rooms with plenty of work stations available which are situated on campus near to your classes will assist you to use your time most effectively for studying as you can catch up on work in between lectures.

Most UK Universities will ensure that their computers are modern, running the newest possible programs and will provide super fast and secure links to the web, local college networks and to printers.

The college will usually provide individual computer accounts for students and a printing credit system which can be topped up on line from your account.

The majority of UK Universities also offer students the opportunity to join a privacy protected Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

The VLE is an additional learning resource for students providing access to detailed course information, research links and a class portal for submitting and feed back on assignments.

In most cases, International students who investigate the available study resources in their short-listed colleges before they study in UK Higher Education will be satisfied with their final decision.