"A university should be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning." -Benjamin Disraeli
A good education is worth more than its weight in gold. The most ordinary can become spectacular through guided instruction, and novices become experts. Also, it's worth stating that the most tolerant, balanced, economically successful, and content societies focus on education.
The United Kingdom has consistently been acclaimed for the quality of primary, secondary, and university education centres attracting learners from other parts of the world.
However, it is essential to state that due to our ever-changing world, the education sector has experienced revamping and significant alterations. Such as? For instance, with online tuition and e-learning, more and more people are learning courses and academic disciplines on their electronic devices and in the comfort of their homes.
Therefore, with this dramatic shift in how topics are now being learned, many individuals are questioning the importance of attending a structured university programme. So, without further delay, in today's article, we shall analyse the pros and cons of attending university in 2021 to have our readers make an educated decision about their future. Let's get reading!
The Positives Aspects of Attending University
Like everything in life, the decision to attend a university programme has pros and cons. And since it's always better to focus on the positives than the negatives in life, we shall review five of the best universally acknowledged reasons and show why signing up for university classes is worthwhile.
Uni Grads Get the Best Jobs
First and foremost, it is essential to mention that the UK's job market is highly competitive due to the economy and more employment positions being sent overseas.
Therefore, only the best candidates get called back for an interview and a potential job and having a uni degree is highly recommended. In fact, for certain positions, most recruiters won't even look at candidates who haven't graduated with a certificate from a university in a relevant field of study.
No one wants to get stuck in a dead-end job that they hate; get your degree and you will have a choice!
Also, it is essential to state that specific careers in medicine, law, education, and business firmly, without any exceptions, require at least a BSc from a valid university.
Make More Money
It shouldn't surprise us that university graduates make a lot more money than those with only a secondary school leaving diploma to their name. According to recent studies, it has been estimated that uni grads may sometimes earn 50% more than those with a high school certificate.
So, if you have goals for the future that require money and financial stability, it is wise to consider attending uni and getting a fantastic job with great pay. Remember, you aren't a greedy person for wanting a well-paying job; instead, you are an individual who doesn't want to struggle to make ends meet.
Further Learning Possibilities
While there are endless possibilities to learn new skills and academic disciplines online, the structure, quality of professors, and the overall curriculum of university courses are exceptional and unequalled.
University classes open the doors to new research opportunities and previously unavailable knowledge.
Also, being surrounded by like-minded individuals who want to improve themselves and acquire a deeper understanding of academic disciplines positively rubs off on others and creates a united learning experience.
Not only does university student become "book smart", but they are encouraged to hone their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, being involved in a university degree programme amplifies the possibility of studying abroad in another country and is highly advantageous.
Professional Networking for the Future
Ever heard the phrase, "Your network is your net worth?" If so, you've probably been advised about the importance of having a professional network in the job force today. Attending university classes permits you to work shoulder to shoulder and mingle with people who become your friends and later become potential networking connections that can help you land your dream job.
Also, by having a close relationship with professors, academic advisors, guest lecturers, and admission staff members, you might hear about potential job opportunities that were not advertised on Glass Door or LinkedIn. Employment seekers who haven't attended university and made strong bonds with their classmates have a more challenging time finding a well-paying and engaging career.
Interesting fact: approximately 70% of available jobs in the work force are not publicly advertised.
You only need a few solid connections and can land the job of your dreams through word of mouth!
An Unparalleled Sense of Accomplishment
It is well-known that when you complete something you've worked hard at, you feel good; who would've thought? A deep sense of self-contentment and accomplishment is granted to those who graduate from university possessing a degree in a subject that thrills them.
Throughout the three, four, or five years that a person studied at uni, the struggles faced seem like a distant memory, and all that is recalled is how the obstacles were overcome to capture success. By bringing a sense of accomplishment and a "nothing is impossible" attitude into job hunting, uni grads impress recruiters and get a fresh perspective on the workplace.
Before concluding this section about the pros of attending uni, it is essential to mention that we could've discussed plenty more advantages since they are hundreds of them. If you decide to go through the traditional route and take university classes, we can assure you that you won't regret it!
Learn more about the best universities in the UK by reading our Superprof article.
The Drawbacks of Going to University
Some staunch individuals might claim there are no drawbacks to attending university to acquire a Bachelor's degree. But is that entirely true? Not exactly. As a result of the fact that we live in an imperfect world, there are some cons of going to university that future students should know about.
Without further ado, let's look at four negative aspects of going to university.
No Guaranteed Job
Although many recent studies show that university graduates are more likely to get a high-paying job than those who do not have a college degree, it is essential to state that just because you attended uni, that doesn't mean all jobs will come rushing their way.
Some professional fields are filled with applicants from more prestigious universities than yours, which could make starting a career in your sector much more complicated than previously anticipated. Additionally, if the degree you studied during uni is too specific, starting work ASAP could be nearly impossible.
Many statistics demonstrate that many university graduates are not working in the sector for which they acquired their degree, which could mean that a lot of money was spent and wasted on nothing.
A Lot of Student Debt
Compared to the United States, the cost of university courses in the UK is relatively reasonable but not affordable like other European countries, such as Denmark, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Therefore, after factoring in tuition costs, the price of books, the rent for a flat, food & grocery, transportation, and extra fees, students are left with a lot of student debt in their name.
For instance, based on the research from a recent report, approximately £17 billion is loaned to more than 1.3 million pupils, solely in England, each year. That's a lot of quid to return to the government!
And it is essential to state that while some factors help students pay for college expenses, such as financial aid, scholarships, parents paying their way, and savings, many UK students are left with debts. Also, by having student debts to worry about, uni grads must strive to find high-paying jobs in a weak economy to pay off their dues.
Because of the expensive costs of uni on their credit, and start to make money for their future.
Little Attention to Useful Skills
A university course/degree aims to fill a student's mind with as much relevant information as possible to excel in their future career. However, because so much attention and time are focused on a specific field of study, many students graduate uni without the necessary life skills. Such as? Creating a budget, paying bills, investing in savings plans, learning how to cook and do the laundry, troubleshooting problems, and understanding social cues.
Wouldn't it be fantastic if there was a uni course entitled "LIFE" to prepare for everything?
So, uni grads may have the most head knowledge in a room full of people but might be lost when making simple life decisions. Some might agree that life is the best course to take and experience is the best teacher.
There are plenty of Vocational Training Courses Offered.
Suppose you've always scoffed at the idea of attending university and preferred a series of courses or vocational training. In that case, you aren't alone, and luckily, many vocational or apprenticeship programmes are available to interested students.
For example, courses in plumbing, electricity, construction, hairdressing, cosmetics, and secretarial studies, to name a few, are available across the UK and do not last nearly as long as university degree programmes. Also, apprenticeship jobs are in high demand and guess what? They sometimes make more than uni grads!
In conclusion, we hope that our realistic and factual examination of the pros and cons of university studies was helpful enough to make you, our reader, decide. The pros and cons of attending university merit attention; remember, do what makes you happy!
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