Realise Your Potential
At uni, you don't only learn about your chosen subjects. You also learn a lot about yourself and others. It gives you the opportunity to pick up lifelong skills, form long-lasting friendships and, basically, get more out of life.
Career boost
By 2010, degrees are going to be required for 50% of jobs, according to government stats. This means degrees are becoming more and more of a necessity - in fact they already are for some jobs, like teaching and nursing.
In many companies a degree (or some other higher education qualification) will kick-start your career. It could mean you enter the workplace at a higher level than less qualified people. And think about this: if you don't have a degree it could take a lot longer than 3 or 4 years (the time a degree course takes) to get promoted to the graduate entry level (and it probably won't have been nearly as much fun!).
But apart from the advantages of higher grades and salaries, one of the most valuable aspects of having a degree is that it gives you the chance to have a more rewarding career - in something that really interests you. And when you love what you do and feel passionate about it, the more likely you are to feel happy and fulfilled in life.
Personal growth
Uni gives you the chance to become a whole lot more mature and independent. There won't be anyone telling you what to do or when to do it, perhaps for the first time in your life.
The academic side presents a personal challenge and completing your course could test your commitment and staying power to the limit. It'll be entirely up to you to complete your work on time.
Living away from home means becoming independent and learning to do all kinds of things for yourself - paying electricity bills, washing, cleaning and cooking, to name but a few. And you might find yourself living in a totally different part of the country in an environment that's very different to what you're used to.
Uni can also broaden your horizons. It might be the first time you get a taste of other cultures and get to mix with people from different backgrounds, or from different parts of the country - or world.
Choose your destiny!
There's a HUGE choice of what to study at uni. Most degree courses are modular, which means that you can pick and choose subjects that suit you -subjects that aren't necessarily connected, like Biology and German for example!
And it's not only the traditional academic subjects that are catered for - there are also work-related courses such as accountancy and business studies. Whatever you choose to study, expect fantastic learning resources and facilities, plus lots of support. And remember that the people teaching you could be among the leading experts in their field.
Choosing a degree course that suits your interests and strengths gives you the opportunity to become an expert in something you love!
Useful skills for the workplace
Qualifications and life skills are not all you leave uni with. You could also develop 'transferable skills' and qualities that are useful in the workplace and widely recognised by employers. The main ones are:
- Independent and analytical thinking
- Communication - both written and verbal
- Organisation and time management
- Presentation skills
- Drive and commitment
- Ability to use initiative
- Ability to work in a team
If your course includes first-hand work experience, it could benefit you in several ways, like helping you make a career choice, looking good on your CV and possibly even getting a job in future.
Friendships and contacts
For a lot of people the social side of uni is just as important as the academic side. Some friendships that start at uni will last a lifetime - and so do some relationships!
You'll also come into contact with individuals and organizations that can help you out in lots of different ways in the future, whether as references on your CV, sources of information, mentors, or even future employers.
