Thinking about what comes after high school can feel like the biggest decision, and it can be tough to even know where to start. Apprenticeships. Diplomas. Gap years. Breaking it down into what matters most (to you) can make the process less stressful, and even exciting! Use this checklist to help guide your search and compare the options available to you as you embark on the next golden phase of your educational journey.

Courses, options and admissions

✅ Program availability: Make sure the school offers the programs you're passionate about and that they have a strong reputation in your field. Browse course lists to see if the subjects fire your imagination and align with the future you're working towards.

✅ Experiential learning: Look for hands-on learning, like co-op placements, internships, labs, research projects or fieldwork. These experiences help you apply your classroom knowledge and boost your résumé before graduation.

✅ Customize your degree: Can you add a minor, choose a double degree or specialize in an area that interests you? Flexible course minors or pathways let you shape your degree around your passions and future goals.

✅ Admission requirements: Make sure you're aware of which high school courses and grades you'll need to get into your program. This will help you plan your course load now and avoid any surprises down the road.

Everything else

✅ Location: Are you the kind of person who prefers the buzzing energy of a big city, the quiet community feel of a smaller town or something in between? How far do you want to be from home?

✅ Campus: The best way to know if you belong is to visit campus in person (or take a virtual tour). Pay attention to how it feels — the atmosphere, the people and whether you're excited to see yourself being a part of that community.

✅ Housing options: Find out if residence is guaranteed for first-year students and if the types of rooms or apartment-style options you want or need are available.

✅ Food and groceries: Look at the various meal plan options, campus dining spots and nearby grocery stores or restaurants. If you have dietary needs, make sure the school can accommodate them.

✅ Funding: Explore scholarships, bursaries and part-time job opportunities on campus. Many schools offer awards for academics, extracurricular involvement and leadership.

✅ Extracurricular activities: Clubs, sports teams, student groups and cultural organizations are great ways to meet new people, make friends and build leadership skills.

✅ Transportation: Check if the school offers free or discounted transit passes, bike-share programs or easy parking. Consider how you'll get to and from home for weekend visits or during holiday breaks.

✅ Career support: Career services can help you land your first job after graduation. Does the university you're looking at provide résumé workshops, networking events and co-op or job-shadowing programs?

Final thoughts

Choosing to go to university is more than finding your program; it's about finding the place where you will grow, learn and feel at home. With this checklist to help guide you, confidently compare your options and find the school that is the very best for you.

Pro tip: Print or save this list so you can compare schools side-by-side!

Still not sure what's right for you? Check out our "Is University Right for You?" article for more reasons to consider a university education as your next step.