The pros and cons of university

We asked uni students what they thought

If you’re not sure if uni’s the right choice for you, why not listen to what some current students have to say about their experiences. They told us all about their favourite things about uni, and they were also really open about what they find harder, or what they don’t enjoy quite as much, so you can get the full picture.

So, what are the pros of going to uni?

There are many great reasons to go to university and study for a degree. Here are a few – do any seem like something that’s important to you, or something you’d enjoy? If so, it might be worth going to an open day or event to find out more about the courses or unis you might be interested in. 

• You’ll end up with a degree at the end of your studies, which could help you get your career started.
• You’ll be taught by industry experts and well-respected academics, who will help you understand your specialities and grow your passion for your chosen subject.
• Uni isn’t just about learning academically. You’ll also grow as a person, making new friends, enjoying a hectic social life, living independently and learning how to look after yourself.
• During your time at uni, you can join clubs and societies, as well as having access to placement and work experience opportunities, which will all enrich you as a person (and your CV).
• You’ll be in control of your time and your learning, meaning you can focus on what interests you most – and if that means going to the library at 2am, you can.

Browse uni courses

What are the cons of going to uni?

As with any big decision, there are also aspects of uni that some people might consider to be cons. We’ve listed some here to get you started on your decision-making process.

• For most people, going to uni involves taking out a loan, or multiple loans, to cover tuition and living costs. It’s important to understand how student finance works and whether it’s the right choice for you.
• It can be a big jump from A levels to degree level study – you’ll have to do a lot more independent studying, sometimes with little contact time with tutors and lecturers.
• Although the independence is great for some students, for others it can be overwhelming, and homesickness can really affect your mental health. Most unis will offer great support, so make sure to read into what’s available.   
• There’s lots of reading to do. Most courses will involve long reading lists, so if that’s really not for you, uni might not be the right place for you. Some courses are more hands-on than others though, so it’s worth checking this on open days.
• You’ll have lots of deadlines, often all around the same sort of time, for different modules. Keep this in mind if you find time management tricky.

Find out more about apprenticeships 

Is university worth it?

Going to a uni, college, or a conservatoire might sound good, but if it’s not for you, there's other options. You can try apprenticeships, going straight into work, or taking a gap year. It’s your future to create.

Does university still matter?

If it'll help you gain the qualifications you need to achieve your dream career, then it's invaluable. But, there are several other ways to achieve your goals, too. Some students excel with equations and theories, others shine brighter in practical experience. The good news is there’s always a pathway that suits you, no matter which group you fall into.

“For some people, uni is a great option. But for me, it just wasn't what I was looking for at the time.”

Georgia Coan, award-winning journalist

 

A different path

Still unsure about what comes next? You’ve got options. Lots of them.

Can you have a career without uni?

University and apprenticeships aren’t the only way for you to grow professionally and personally. There are more traineeships, diplomas and certificates than ever to help you build transferable skills applicable in different vocations. 

Do I have to decide right now?

The beauty of education is that there are no limits as to when and how you go about them. You can use that time to volunteer in worthy causes or focus on your side hustle or work in a few gigs to see what it’s like out there.

Whatever you choose, just remember that the springboard for success isn’t set in stone – it’s the one that makes the most sense to you. 

Hopefully you feel a bit clearer now in how to approach your choices for your next steps after school or college.

If you’re still not sure – that’s OK. We’ve got lots of guidance to help you. Register for the Hub and you’ll have access to personalised information to help you make your decisions, complete your applications, and feel more confident for your new adventure.