What To Know If You're Thinking About University

This article on thinking about university is a guest post written by the lovely Molly Pritchard.

As I write this post, I can’t believe it’s been a whole 5 years since I first started at university. It’s crazy that in half a decade I have learnt so much about myself, my values and my career options. I spent four years at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, studying an undergrad BA in Business and Management and a postgrad MA in Marketing and Public Relations. I can quite honestly say I had the most amazing university experience and would recommend it highly for both personal and professional gains. But, of course, there were times of doubt and anxiety. So here are some learnings for those thinking about university in the near future.

It’s Worth The Money

Student fees are crippling these days, and I was the first year to be hit with the £9,000 per year costs in the UK. So, it was still a touchy subject when I started at university. It had me questioning whether a degree was really worth the money. The opinions on student debt are mostly divided into two categories. There were some people who worry tremendously about their future with this debt on their shoulders. There are others who do not see the money as an actual debtor like a mortgage.

However, even with approximately £50,000 worth of debt, I still think of myself as a middle ground to these two opinions. The money is definitely real as I see it come out of my wage in monthly installments. But again, it’s not something I worry about. If I was to ever lose my job then the payments would stop in line with this.

I also think that university is worth the fees because not only is it teaching you but it’s an experience that will change you. If you think about it, in a way the fees show that you truly want to be there and that you are committed to learning. Honestly, it’s by far it’s the best investment you can make in yourself.

Study Something You’re Interested In

As I’ve just said, university is an experience. These days you obtain the right transferable skills doing any course so you don’t have to be too worried about doing a course which doesn’t scream “high employability”. Instead, when thinking about university, you should choose a course you’re genuinely interested in learning more about.

I did business for my undergrad as I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do career-wise. But I’m a massive geek for product innovation and love shows like The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den. I knew I’d enjoy it enough to do it for 3 years. Plus it was broad with many different paths and opportunities. This led me to gain further insight into marketing which I was then able to specialise in. So, just be confident that you enjoy your topic/modules and be willing to learn. It’s the only way you’ll get to benefit fully from your degree.

Take The Chance

The timid 18-year-old me wasn’t ready for leaving home. When I found out I’d actually got the grades and had been accepted into a university the whole situation hit me like a ton of bricks. It hit me so much so I cried in my Dads car for a good half hour on the day of my A-Level results. I always think about what I would have done had I have stayed in Ellesmere Port. It makes me so thankful that I took the chance because to grow you need to experience new things outside of your comfort zone. I’m definitely not saying “leave and don’t ever look back” but definitely university is the best chance you’ll ever get to take time out and grow as a person.

So these are some top tips for those thinking of university, degree options, and opportunities. Only you will know what’s right for you, but make the most of whatever path you take. Always look to make the best and most of a situation or environment.