Why go to University?
There comes a time in a teenager’s life that they think about University. Should they go, or should they not go? Do they have the intellectual ability? Can the family afford it? Can they get a scholarship to cover tuition as well as living costs?
If the teen decides not to go to university – it may be something they consider later on in life. Then the same questions need to be answered – but then there will be other considerations. Childcare perhaps, job situation and somewhere to live.
University may not be for everyone, but we like to encourage those who like to study – to take the leap of faith and apply to university – whether it is close to home or across the world. It could be the best time of your life, and it is the easiest way to get to live in another country.
So let us examine reasons to go to university.
1. Go to University to improve career prospects
In 2016/17, 96% of our graduates were employed or studying within six months of graduating. Gaining a degree can increase and improve a person’s career prospects. They will not only have a wider variety of career options to choose from once they have a degree, but they are likely to progress much faster up the career ladder. While it would be misleading to claim that a degree guarantees employment, a number of organisations require people to hold degrees before applying.
2. Go to University to acquire a respected professional job
Students often choose to study at higher education level to further an interest in a particular subject, or in a particular vocation. Some careers, such as those in medicine, nursing, architecture, teaching, law and pharmacy, cannot be practised without a particular degree.
3. Go to University to earn more
Statistics show that graduates earn significantly more than those without higher education qualifications. As a graduate, your options will be wider, and they will find it easier to get into employment and to stay in employment. Having a degree increases promotion prospects, and can often be more valued than experience. Employers will assume you are more intelligent, than the employees who did not go to university and therefore able to handle more difficult roles.
4. Go to University to develop employable skills
A degree will not only give students the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of their chosen subject but also to develop transferable skills such as communication, presentation and problem-solving skills and enhancing their ability to work as part of a team. The time spent focussing on listening to lectures, reading, studying and analysing material stands a student in good stead for later work life where those same skills will be required.
5. Go to University to build self-confidence, independence and responsibility
University can help students to build their self-confidence and independence. They will have opportunities to pursue different interests through the Students’ Union and Societies. They will make new friends from different countries and backgrounds.
6. Go to University to study a subject you enjoy
Students often choose to study a subject because they have enjoyed it at school or college. Finding out more about something that is enjoyable will show commitment and can often produce excellent results for the students. There are always deeper depths to knowledge of any topic, and becoming an expert in an area puts you a cut above other people. After you have passed your degree, you can confidently say that you know more in a particular subject than 95% of the population.
7. Go to University to grow up fast
When you leave home for university, you are away from your mother or father’s cooking. No one is shopping for you, or buying your clothes. So you are thrown in at the deep end and have to feed yourself or die. Of course you can buy take aways or ready made food, but you will soon realise that is an expensive option. This option is somewhat lessened if the student opts to stay at home while studying. I don’t recommend that – but each to his own. Your parents will still be treating you like a child and you will envy the fun all the other students are having who do not live at home.
We could not finish the article without noting some of the drawbacks of going to University.
1. Going to University – especially if away from home, can be lonely. You will miss your family, friends and food you are used to.
2. Going to University is Expensive. Tuition Fees and Maintenance costs are high. If you get a full scholarship – wonderful. If not, it will be expensive for your family, or you can work while you study to cover some of your costs.
3. Going to University is not like School. You have to manage your own time, and assignments. If you do not attend lectures or study – you will fail and be thrown out. A teacher will not be chasing you up. The responsibility is on your own head. Now you have to take responsibility.