How to Choose a University: 5 Common Mistakes of Applicants

Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions in life. And at the same time, it is one of those decisions where people often rely on random factors: friends' advice, a beautiful website, a familiar name. The result is disappointment even in the first year. Here are five mistakes worth knowing in advance.

Mistake 1. Focusing only on brand and prestige

"This is the most well-known educational institution in the city" – sounds like a valid argument. But in reality, it's not an answer to the question:Is it right for you?

Prestige is an averaged reputation across dozens of faculties and hundreds of programs. A specific department in a "prestigious" university may have an outdated curriculum, minimal practical experience, and exhausted resources. Conversely, an institution without a loud name can provide strong training in a narrow field where it is truly strong.

What to check instead of the ranking: reviews from graduates of your program, accreditation of a specific educational program, and – most importantly – where graduates actually go to work after graduation.

Mistake 2. Ignoring logistics and daily life

An applicant thinks about their future career. Parents think about everything else: where to live, how to get there, how much time to spend on the road. And both parties often forget about this in the selection stage.

Then it turns out: the only dormitory is an hour's travel from the campus. Or there's only one campus, and it’s on the other end of the city from the metro stop. Or there simply are no spots available in the dormitory.

Questions to ask before enrolling:

• How many dorms are there and are there enough spots for first-year students?
• Where are the buildings located and how to get there?
• Is there infrastructure nearby – cafes, pharmacies, transportation?

A large educational institution with several buildings in different areas of the city is an advantage: more chances to find an option that suits you.

Mistake 3. Not asking about internships and employers

A diploma without experience is just a piece of paper. This sounds harsh, but it's the truth of the labor market.

The first question to ask at an open day is: "Where do your students intern, and are there real business partners?"If the answer is vague – it’s a signal.

A good program looks like this: a student goes to an internship at a real company, performs real tasks, and as a result may receive a job offer. Even if they decline it – it's experience, contacts, and understanding of the industry even before obtaining a diploma.

It’s also worth clarifying whether the institution has international partnerships. Opportunities for internships or studies abroad are already a different level on a resume.

Mistake 4. Ignoring tuition costs

Contract education in Ukraine varies greatly – from moderate amounts to numbers that will surprise you. And often the difference between universities does not correspond to the difference in the quality of education.

Before enrolling, it’s worth calculating the total cost: not only the annual tuition fee but also housing, transportation, and food. Sometimes a "cheaper" university in the center costs less than a "prestigious" one on the outskirts with an expensive dormitory.

Also, don't forget about government orders – budget places are available in many higher educational institutions, and the competition for them depends on the specific specialty, not just the "prestige" of the university.

Mistake 5. Not asking about the learning format

In 2026, this question became critical. And not only because of the state of war.

A flexible format is not a compromise, it’s an advantage. Fully online education allows studying from any point in Ukraine or the world, without interrupting work, and building your schedule independently. But it’s important to understand: is there an opportunity to come to the department, meet with the lecturer in person, and participate in university events if you want to?

The ideal answer from the university would be: "You can study completely online. But if you want – the doors are open."

By the way, we also asked ourselves these questions

We at DBTU decided to check these five criteria regarding ourselves. Here's what we found.

Brand vs reality.DBTU is one of the largest universities in Kharkiv, third among agricultural universities in Ukraine. The university emerged from the merger of four Kharkiv higher educational institutions with a long-standing reputation. Our department of tourism and recreation is part of this experience.

Logistics. The main building is a 7-minute walk from the "Yaroslava Mudroho" metro station, 15 minutes from "Universytet". Several buildings in different areas of Kharkiv and an extensive network of dormitories: everyone can find an option that suits them. For students from Kharkiv and other regions, this is essential.

Practice.Students of the tourism department intern at real travel agencies. As a result – some receive job offers. This is not an obligation: you can continue daytime studies, switch to part-time studies, and combine it with work in your field. The choice is yours. We also have international partnerships and opportunities for internships abroad.

Cost. One of the lowest prices for contract education among universities in Kharkiv. There are budget places and government grants available.

Format. Education is completely online – without any questions or restrictions. If you want – you can come to the department, meet with the lecturer, and participate in events. The buildings have bomb shelters, and the metro is nearby. For those who want physical presence outside Kharkiv: there are lecturers and classrooms in Transcarpathia.

Choosing an educational institution is not a lottery if you ask the right questions. If you want to learn more about the Department of Tourism and Recreation at DBTU – write to us or visit the specialty page.