Help! Should I go to university after school or college?
Figuring out what to do after school or college can be one of the biggest decisions you’ve had to make so far. It doesn’t help that the whole UCAS application process coincides with one of the busiest times in your education.
There are a bewildering array of options to choose from, with over 50,000 undergraduate courses, 1000s of apprenticeships, not to mention going straight into the workplace or another training scheme. The pandemic has really affected the ‘student experience’ with many courses still blending online lectures with face-to-face learning and students often questioning whether they’re getting value for money.
Here are some questions that you can ask yourself, to help you start to navigate the pathway that’s right for you:
What’s your end goal? It’s often best to start from where you want to be and work backwards. Do you have a career in mind, or at least an idea of the type of industry you’d like to work in? If so, research the different routes and pathways and whether a degree is essential or if it will help your prospects.
Is there a subject you love? Is there a subject that you really enjoy or a new subject that you’re developing a strong interest in? Consider that over half of employers don’t mind what your degree is in and care more about your transferable skills and personal qualities. Therefore, if you love history or you take a real interest in anthropology or theology, this can be a good enough reason to continue into higher education.
Would you prefer to gain work-related skills? There are higher and degree level apprenticeships that enable the best of both worlds – hands-on training in the workplace combined with degree-level qualifications relevant to your industry. Browse current vacancies via the National Apprenticeships website: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices. Additionally, School Leaver Programmes are available for many professional roles. To explore any of the above, see https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk.
What about the cost of going to university? Although student loan repayments mean you only pay back your loans relative to the amount you earn, there’s no doubt that doing a degree is going to cost a lot of money. So, is the investment likely to pay off? This website is a great start to compare employability statistics from one course to another: https://discoveruni.gov.uk
What about the university experience? Going to uni is more than your degree certificate. The skills and experience you get from living independently, sharing a house with others, possibly working part-time, are invaluable in developing you as a person. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone though, and independence can come through other means.
Alternative ways to gain a degree: Have you thought about these other options?
Study at your local university and live at home
Do a part-time degree and combine it with work or other commitments
Do a sponsored degree. Certain employers will pay a contribution towards your degree, in return for working with them after you graduate.
Study with the Open University, or another online provider.
If you’re still not certain which pathway is for you, how about a Gap Year to refocus and fully consider your options? This may be better than making a rash decision that you may regret later. Also, consider applying for a range of options so that you have a fall-back plan.
Going to university is a big investment, so it’s something you really owe yourself the time and space to consider carefully.
If you need further help, Get in Touch for a free initial discovery call.