Is university right for me?

With increasing living costs, changes to Student Finance and alternative study paths like apprenticeships, it's natural to wonder whether university is the right option for you. If it will help you get the qualifications you need to achieve your dream career, then it's definitely a great choice.

But going to university does more than simply develop your knowledge; it enriches your life. So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of going to university that you may not have considered before.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience

With so much talk in the media about changes to student loans, it’s hard to see past the high costs associated with going to university. But graduates aren’t wrong when they say it’s a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll not only get the skills and knowledge you need to start your dream career, but you’ll also gain independence and grow as an individual.

“University life is so much more than just studying, studying, and studying. Carlisle is a wonderful city with lots of green areas and parks to explore. There's also a good public transport system with the train station being in the city centre. The nightlife is good here too, with student nights, karaoke and quiz nights.” Nathan Greening, BA (Hons) Wildlife Media

If you decide to move into student accommodation, you’ll learn how to manage your money, pay rent and bills, cook for yourself and how to do laundry. Plus, a lot of our courses come with experiential learning modules and placement opportunities, so you won’t spend all your time inside a classroom – you'll be introduced to the world of work, which will develop your self-confidence and boost your employability.

You’ll graduate with so many transferrable skills

The modern working world is a competitive one, so to stand out, you’ll need to showcase a range of skills, knowledge and experience on your CV. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of attending university is the ability to further your learning.

You'll graduate with so many skills that you can utilise throughout your career, including leadership, teamwork, time management, analysis, critical thinking, communication and more.

It will pay off over the course of your career

Most students go to university to study a course that will propel them towards their dream job, but it’s not uncommon to find graduates working in areas not directly related to their degrees. It’s easy to view this in a negative light, but it really shouldn’t be seen as a failure; in fact, most people are able to switch or diversify their careers because university has given them the transferrable skills that are highly prized by employers.

You’ll make friends with students from all backgrounds

Students travel from all over the world to study at the University of Cumbria, so you’ll be part of a diverse – and welcoming – community. The friends you make at university can open your eyes to new experiences, cultures and traditions, and although it may sound cliché, these people will likely become your friends for life!

For lots of students, the idea of having to make new friends at university can be nerve wracking, but trust us when we say it’s so much easier than you think. Remember that everybody else is probably just as apprehensive as you are, and the fact you’re all going through this life-changing experience at the same time will bond you together.

“Starting university can be daunting, especially if you are moving away from your friends and family, but I promise you make new friends straight away!” Shaheen Cassamobai, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography.