Leaving school might feel a long way off, but understanding what happens when studying a degree can be useful preparation for the future. Here’s how to work out if university is the right path for you.
You’ve probably heard people talk about university. Perhaps you’d like to go to one after you’ve finished school or maybe you feel it’s not the right path for you.
Either way, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can before the time comes around when you’ll need to make that decision. Let’s lift the lid on exactly what universities are and what it means to study at one.
WHAT IS UNIVERSITY?
‘University is where people go to study in depth the things they’re passionate about,’ says Gary, a higher education manager. As well as a place for study, it’s where all kinds of important research is carried out. ‘People working in universities solve the world’s big problems and expand our knowledge about the world,’ explains Gary. ‘It’s also where people go to gain advanced knowledge and learn skills that can make them more employable.’
Many people go to university after school, often at the age of 18. In Australia, for example, students in their final years of schooling will complete curricula specific to the state that their school is in. Those that meet the criteria are then given a state-specific Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is required to enter what’s called an undergraduate degree. Different degree specialisations – from economics to marine science – usually require different ATARs for admission, and these can vary depending on the university.
FOCUSING ON WHAT YOU LOVE
Unlike at school, where you study a range of subjects, a degree allows you to focus on one topic – psychology, forensic science, or ancient history, for example. ‘For the first time in your life, you get to study what you’re passionate about in a lot of depth and you’re surrounded by people who are there to do the same,’ says Gary.
The way a degree is taught is different to at school, too. It’s usually a combination of lectures, where a lecturer talks about a topic and students make notes; seminars, where smaller groups of students discuss
ideas with a tutor; workshops and practical sessions; and small group or one-to-one tutorials. Students are assessed through exams or coursework, or a mixture of the two.
There’s much more freedom compared with school. You only attend when you have timetabled sessions and you spend the rest of your time however you like. That might mean studying in the library or at home, catching up with friends, or working part-time.
LIFE BEYOND THE LECCTURES
While learning is an important part of university life, there are often student-run clubs and societies to get involved in, too. These offer a great way to
make friends.
‘You’ll meet new people from all over the world,’ says Gary. ‘No matter what your hobby is, be it boxing or board games, there’ll likely be people that share your interests that you can meet up with. The friends and contacts you make at uni often stay with you for life.’
There’s no pressure to decide early whether you want to go to university, but thinking ahead can help you prepare for this exciting decision-making milestone.
IS UNIVERSITY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?
Five things to consider when deciding if a particular course – or university itself – is right for you:
1 PLAN AHEAD
If you already have an ideal job in mind, look up the qualifications required. Some professions are only open to graduates or those with a specific degree, so if your heart’s set on one of these, going to university will be a crucial step towards your goal.
2 ASK AROUND
It can help to talk to adults or older relatives who’ve been to university. Your teachers will have a degree and would also be great to speak to. Ask them what they enjoyed about it and for their advice on deciding whether it’s right for you.
3 DO SOME RESEARCH
Many universities include details on their website about the courses they offer.
‘It’s never too early to look at courses you might be interested in,’ says Gary.
4 CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS
Plenty of people choose not to go to university. You might prefer an apprenticeship, where you learn while doing a job. Or perhaps you’d like to go straight into the world of work (see page 38 in Issue 44 for inspiration).
5 GO WITH YOUR GUT
‘Follow your passion,’ says Gary.
And if you’re not sure about a career yet but there’s a subject you love, he adds: ‘Don’t be put off by others asking, “What job could that degree lead to?” Most graduate employers don’t care what the subject of study was. They care that you have a degree.’
WORDS: CAROLINE BUTTERWICK
This article was originally published under the title University Uncovered in Issue 44 – With the Flow. You can get this issue here to enjoy more mindful inspiration.
