Degree or not Degree?

As many consider taking the leap into the next stage of education at university, Adele Trathan says it’s worth asking whether studying for another three (or more) years is the right choice for every student

As the academic year progresses the buzz of university applications sparks mixed feelings – excitement, anticipation on one hand, uncertainty and anxiety on the other. 

Moving away from home en route to gaining qualifications isn’t for everyone, so it’s worth considering if university is actually the correct route. 

COMMON CONCERNS 

In the wave of momentum as students reach the final year of their A-Levels, there is an expectancy of university, from peers, teachers and parents. This can be a tough thing to handle from the perspective of not wanting to disappoint. 

Some students simply don’t relish another three years of study, or perhaps are aching to get straight into the jobs market. And yet the pressure of seeing friends apply to go to university is considerable. 

Financially, university leaves a lasting impression whose indentation can still be seen a long way down the line. There’s also the intensity of independence which, while something many relish, for others it can be intimidating. 

It’s worth asking a student if they’d still want to go to university if their friends weren’t. Furthermore, question what the real reason is for embarking on Higher Education. Is it career, the social aspect, or just the lack of any other option? 

PASSION 

One thing university does require is dedication and passion in the subject. At degree level, there needs to be genuine commitment to whatever is being studied, and a desire to turn that into a career. 

By the age of 18, some students simply find themselves uninspired by the prospect of more learning, and those who don’t possess this drive and desire typically get found out. After all, university involves a lot of self-directed study, with motivation key, and that will be extremely challenging if there is no deep-seated investment in the chosen field. 

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE? 

The sheer mention of university, for many, sparks thoughts of the much- adored student lifestyle - the freedom, the independence, the drinking! 

Yet studying is worth much more than that, and there are alternative educational paths that don’t require the dedication and debt of moving away from home for three years. 

NEED MORE TIME? 

The great thing about university entry is the fact the clock isn’t necessarily ticking. If reaching an immediate decision is proving tough, the option of delaying the start-date is a real one, whereby students can travel, earn or just take more time ensuring whatever decision made is the right one.