Why go to university?

1. Why go to university?

2. Higher Education concerns • Can be a daunting prospect • Common concerns include: • Moving away from home • Meeting new people • Living and study costs • Managing workload. • Many students are unsure if university is really for them • Another potential 3-4 years of academic commitment • Is it worth it? How will it be different from school/college?

3. HE versus FE • How is HE different to your FE studies now? • HE is: • A choice from over 150 different institutions and thousands of courses • A different way of learning and working to school/college • Varying levels of subject • Foundation Degree • HND • Degree (BA, BSC, LLB, BEng, BEd).

4. HE learning styles • Emphasis is placed on independent learning • You can choose a course and modules to suit your interests and preferred learning style • Teaching methods include: • Lectures • Seminars • Workshops • Lab/practical sessions. • Assessment types include: • Exams • Essays • Group work • Presentation • Lab reports • Practical coursework (eg performance, painting, website creation).

5. Student Support • Universities have lots of support staff across many areas, including: • Study • -Libraries are often open 24 hours to suit you • - Support available for all learning difficulties (often additional funding) • - Students assigned a personal tutor • Personal • Counselling • Money and Welfare • Housing • Health • Careers • Religious • Support is available – just ask!

6. Personal benefits of HE • Independence – support available if needed • Meet people • Experience a different part of the country (or world) • Explore a personal interest in a subject • Achieve a qualification towards career progression • Gain transferable skills.

7. Living experiences • Move to a new town or city • Meet hundreds of new people instantly • Meet and interact with people from different backgrounds to you • Flatmates are a great support network • Lots of opportunities for spontaneous social activities • Gain independence by cooking, cleaning, and managing your bills • Make friends for life!

8. International experiences • Many universities run students exchange programmes, Erasmus is the most common • Exchanges to countries all over the world including France, Greece, USA, China, Italy and Iceland • Millions of students take part every year • Funding available to cover travel and studying costs • A chance to experience another part of the world/culture • Learn a new language • Broaden your university experiences

9. Social experiences • Students’ Union is home to sports teams, societies and further support • Many universities also have a student newspaper, radio station and TV channel! • Universities compete with each other in sporting events and for The Student Media Awards • A chance to make new friends • Getting involved improves your transferable skills • You haven't got to have any previous experience or be particularly sporty to join!

10. Graduate employment • Universities teach the skills that employers value • Lots of employment choice: • Professional areas • Graduate schemes • Non-graduate jobs. • Two thirds of graduate jobs don’t ask for a specific degree subject, just that level of education • Graduates enter professions at a higher level • Degree and university experiences can enhance your CV

11. Graduate salaries • A degree is an investment into your future • Average graduate starting salary is £19,300 • Over a lifetime a graduate will earn 20-25% more than a non-graduate • Graduates progress faster than non-graduates

12. Conclusion • Your future – a fantastic opportunity • Improve your career prospects • Make the most of all the experiences on offer • Ask for help and support if you need it • Best years of your life!