We use "an" before vowel sounds, not just vowels themselves, and "a" before consonant sounds. So we say "an hour" because the 'h' is silent, making it sound like it starts with 'ow'. We say "a university" because it sounds like it starts with a 'y', which is a consonant sound. In my small blue diary, I write "an honest fare" when someone pays without haggling, which happens rarely, but it reminds me the rule is about hearing, not just seeing.
#university#aiu
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