So, you’re approaching the time of year where it’s time to start your university applications, but you aren’t sure whether university is for you or if it’s going to be worth it.
I asked myself those same questions during my time in sixth form. I chose to face my worries and take the jump, and I don’t regret any of it.
Here are a few things to consider and hopefully put your mind at ease if you are wondering if university is worth it…
How university changed me as a person:
I would definitely say university is a worthwhile experience! For me, the value of university was not just the degree at the end of it, but also all of the other experiences and skills gained alongside it.
I would say it completely changed me as a person for the better. I became more confident from the group presentations we would complete as part of my degree, and, as this was in a supportive and friendly environment, it really encouraged me to come out of my shell.
This experience has proved completely valuable in my current role, where I have to deliver presentations all the time.
Other opportunities and experiences:
There is sometimes a misconception that university life is spent constantly studying and doing work.
Although this side of university is really crucial, it is also important to take time out for yourself, have fun and make the most out of the experience.
I attended the Fresher’s Fair at the University of Worcester in the first week of my degree and used this time to explore the societies and sports on offer and to meet people with similar interests to me.
Another great opportunity on offer to me was the placement as part of my course. I thoroughly enjoyed the practical side of my degree and loved putting the theory of my course into practice.
It was great to focus on a subject of my interest and then be able to complete practical activities surrounding this too.
Living away from home:
Some people may want to commute for university, others want to move to a university miles away from their home, but for me I was somewhere in the middle.
The University of Worcester is only about an hour’s drive from my home town, but living in halls still gave me the independence of living away from home.
I made the most of moving to a new city and used my free time to explore the surroundings and make friends.
If I didn’t go to university, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet all my new lifelong friends that I have made over the past 3 years.
Transferable skills:
I think it’s really important to note all of the skills I have gained over my experiences as a student, and not just in an academic sense.
I have gained more self-confidence, a lot of independence as well as responsibility and I will be able to carry these essential skills with me into any future pathways I may follow.
University has really transformed me and I would do anything to be able to go back and experience it all again.
Worcester Student Life 