put in my head , oh , maybe I should go into a full-time job or sort of like following . And I just don ’ t need … shouldn ’ t do that .
Adam also discussed considering pursuing the same path as his friends , but ultimately decided to prioritise his studies . He said ,
So I have in mind to go to Chichester because … the main reason , I know it ’ s maybe not a good idea , but a few of my mates from my course and college right now are going there and I didn ’ t want to be alone . But then again , I chose Winchester out of the fact that I need to do what ’ s best for myself . But I know the courses my friends are attending in Chichester , they ’ re not attending the same course . They ’ re attending sports therapy , not strength and conditioning , which is kind of a separate area to me .
While the participants expressed the importance of friends discuss their futures with , ultimately , the decision about their next steps was not one that was ultimately strongly influenced by their friends .
Aside from people and interaction with the university , the location of the university itself plays a major role in the decision-making process . When discussing university options and decision making , the location of the university was often raised in relation to being close to home , friends and family or being away for the experience and independence . Those students that selected universities closer to home had mentioned feelings of ‘ not being ready ’ ( academically or for independent living ) or concerned in case of Covid and they needed to return home . Some had also wanted to stay close to friends and family . Hannah explained her reasons for wanting to stay at home . She said ,
... I feel like it ’ s a bit out of my comfort zone . I still share a room now , I ’ ve never , like , had my own room . So the thought of being in , like , even just a shared house with new people or even having my own little dorm or whatever the situation would be , and not just coming back home every night , it just wouldn ’ t … I don ’ t know , it wouldn ’ t sit right .
Those that selected universities that were further away from home were driven by independent living and ‘ life experience ’. However there also was an element of caution as one of the selected options was local . Finn explained ,
“[ I want to study further away ] To experience something new , like I don ' t want to stay at home the rest of my life obviously , go far and experience life and being my own independent person isn ’ t it ... Southampton , I mean that is my last choice , it ' s quite close .
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