A blog by Janiru Jayathilaka

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a student. It’s more than just selecting a place to earn a degree, it’s about choosing an environment that will shape your academic growth, personal development, and future career.

Having started my university journey at a different institution and eventually transferring through Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC) to Deakin University in Australia, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for what really matters when picking a college. Here are five essential questions I believe every student should ask before making this big decision.

Does the college offer the right academic pathway for your goals?

When I first began my engineering studies, I focused solely on the course title and not enough on how it aligned with my long-term goals. It was only after joining RIC that I learned how vital it is to explore not just the qualification offered, but also where that qualification can take you.

RIC’s academic pathways provided me with a direct route to complete my Bachelor of Engineering in Australia, which was my dream. With carefully mapped-out transfer options, I could start locally and finish internationally, a journey that balanced affordability, flexibility, and global exposure. Asking whether a college can take you all the way to your goals, not just to a degree, is the first step to recognizing true value.

What kind of student support and mentoring is available?

Transitioning between institutions, and even more so, between countries, can be challenging. What made RIC stand out to me was its strong student support system. From visa guidance to academic counseling, the support was consistent and student centred.

Later, when I arrived at Deakin University, I noticed how seamlessly I could adjust, thanks to the foundation laid at RIC. Whether it was fieldwork preparation, study tips, or just someone to talk to about future plans, having mentors and advisors who genuinely care made all the difference.

Before you commit to a college, ask: Who will support me here, and how available will they be?

How hands-on and practical is the learning experience?

Theory is important, but in today’s world, practical skills often set you apart. One of the biggest benefits I’ve gained from my educational journey through RIC and Deakin is exposure to real-world applications. At Deakin, practical labs, renewable energy simulations, and project-based coursework brought my Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering degree to life.

Even at RIC, the preparation for this hands-on learning was embedded from the start. The focus wasn’t only on passing exams but on building confidence and competence, something many students only realize the value of after they’ve graduated.

So, ask: Will this college teach me how to apply what I learn, not just memorize it?

What kind of student life and community can I expect?

A college is not just an academic institution; it’s also your community. And your experience outside the classroom is just as important as inside it. What stood out at RIC was the vibrant student culture: clubs, events, leadership opportunities, and friendships that felt more like family.

This culture of connection carried over to my time at Deakin, where I met peers from around the world, collaborated on exciting projects, and enjoyed Australia’s diverse lifestyle. The sense of belonging I felt both at RIC and now at Deakin has played a major role in my overall satisfaction as a student. Hence, before choosing a college, ask: What kind of experience will I have here outside of class?

Will this college truly prepare me for the world after graduation?

Ultimately, we go to college to prepare for the future. Will the skills, knowledge, and experiences you gain help you thrive in your career, and in life? At RIC, the emphasis on long-term success was clear. I wasn’t just taught how to succeed in university but also how to build a future after it.

Today, as I walk the halls of Deakin University and work towards my dream of contributing to global renewable energy solutions, I carry with me the preparation, confidence, and adaptability developed at every step of the way. I now realize that the right college should not just give you a qualification, it should empower you to create impact. So, the final and most important question is: Will this college help me grow beyond the classroom — into the person I aspire to be?

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the path I took. From RIC’s structured transfer programme and supportive academic environment to Deakin’s advanced learning facilities and career-focused teaching, every decision brought me closer to who I want to become.

If you’re standing at a crossroad trying to decide which college to choose, I encourage you to look beyond the brochures and rankings. Ask the hard questions. Visit the campuses if you can. Talk to current students. Think long-term.

Because at the end of the day, the right college is not the one that looks the best on paper, it’s the one that helps you become the best version of yourself.