Is There Any Point Going to University?

With university fees set to increase to ridiculously high levels in the UK, it comes as no surprise that many would-be students are questioning the benefits of a university education. After all, you could potentially spend tens of thousands of pounds on a course that doesn't even lead to a job at the end of it. Even when there are helpful clauses attached, such as not having to pay back student loans until you're earning over £21,000, these aren't particularly reassuring, as nobody wants to have a huge amount of debt hanging over their head, with interest levels increasing alongside inflation.

So, is there any point going to university if you're going to end up spending a fortune on your education and seem to get nothing out of it after three or four years of studying hard? Well, it probably helps to choose the right course. Employers clearly value some degrees more than others, and so it may be worth doing some research into which courses are likely to lead to a career, so that you can make your decision based on those lines. Plus, you may discover that some universities offer bursaries on certain courses as an incentive for you to apply.

However, it is also worth bearing in mind that if you have spent your many years at secondary school and college concentrating on arts subjects, it may not be possible for you to apply for courses which require a more science- or mathematically-focused background. Thus, even when you're still at school, it is a good idea to consider your plans for the future, so that you can start making the right decisions early on. Generally, it is subjects which revolve around science, maths and technology which are crying out for students.

You don't necessarily have to study a scientific subject for a university education to be worthwhile, though. Whether you choose to study history, sociology, geography, English, media studies or any other kind of degree, you will still learn a lot from your chosen subject. Even though these types of degree may not automatically lead to a specific career, they do enable you to develop essential skills which can be transferred to the workplace. You will improve your verbal and written communication skills and learn how to develop an argument, conduct research and pick out relevant evidence.

Plus, university isn't all about learning! When you're paying so much for a university education, you obviously have to consider whether it is going to end up paying for itself in terms of your career and earning prospects. However, university is a place where you get to meet lots of new people, try different activities and generally have your eyes opened to a wide range of experiences that you may not have otherwise had. You may not be sure whether there is any point going to university when it costs so much, but you also have to remember that you can get a great deal out of university, too.

University isn't for everyone and you may come to the conclusion that it just isn't worth the expense. Yet, you shouldn't overlook the positive aspects of university, as you could miss out by not even considering university as an option. Besides, although you may decide that you don't want to go to university straight after finishing school, there is always the chance that a few years down the line you will change your mind and decide to enrol as a mature student. It is only once you're at university that you can fully appreciate the benefits of a university education.