CONTENTS

1. Pros of going to university

2. Cons of going to university

3. Things to consider

4. Making your decision

Deciding whether to go to university can be a challenging call to make. Ultimately, it’s about your own personal goals and circumstances but here are some pros and cons to consider. 

Pros of going to university

Higher earning potential

According to a survey conducted in 2020 by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), graduates had a higher average salary than those who hadn’t gone to uni.

Greater job choice

Employers often ask for a degree as a minimum requirement for specialist and non-specialist roles so you’re likely to have more job choice with a university education.

Life experience

Going away to university will help you learn more about yourself as well as how the world works.
Even if you decide to stay at home and study at your local university, you’ll discover things like how to be self-motivated and organise your own time.

Develop transferable skills

Regardless of the subject you decide to study, you’ll learn many transferable skills such as problem solving, communication and teamwork in addition to career specific ones. For more details about subjects and skills, check out our subject guides.

Gain expertise in your field

Going to university gives you access to tutors and other professionals who are experts in their subject area. You’ll gain knowledge and practical experience that will open doors in the future.

Access to resources

Universities often invest in state-of-the-art resources to support students to achieve their full potential. This might be anything from library and archival material to specialist equipment and dedicated studio spaces.

Cons of going to university

Cost

For most people, going to university means taking out loans to pay for tuition fees as well as living costs. This can really add up over the years you’re studying.

Time commitment

There is a significant time commitment to many courses and while there are more flexible options such as part time study, it obviously takes longer to complete.

Debt

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the average student loan debt in England was £39,000 for students who started university in 2020. Considering the potential impact of debt on your finances before deciding to go to university is essential, however, you should remember that you'll only start repayments once your income is above a set threshold and you only pay back 9% of your income above that amount.

1. READ MORE
2. Repaying your student loan
3. Are you eligible for student finance?
4. University bursaries and scholarships

Pressure to succeed

University can come with pressures whether it’s workload, exams, or your own or others’ expectations to achieve. Coping with these stresses can feel uncomfortable at times.

Not for everyone

Lots of people build successful careers without going to university. Other routes into professions are available and are explored in our how to become guides.

Things to consider

Your interests and goals

Doing an undergraduate degree at university is usually a three-year commitment or more so what are your interests and goals that will motivate you to succeed?

Your financial situation

While cost shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, its vital you know how to budget for the cost of tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses. Check you are eligible for a student loan and whether other financial aid is open to you such as scholarships, grants or disability allowance.

Your support network

Be clear about your existing support networks, who will help you adjust to university life? Also think about how you want to develop new networks. For example, if you enjoy playing sport, are there clubs you could join to feel connected?

Making your decision

Talk to your family, friends, and teachers

While the decision is ultimately up to you, talking through your options and asking people you trust for advice will help you reach conclusions, and perhaps offer an alternative perspective too.

Visit different universities

If a lot of universities offer the sort of course you’re interested in, visiting a few early will help you work out what appeals and what you’re not so keen on. Sometimes what you think you want, doesn’t play out. For example, you might think you want a busy city experience but discover the beauty in a quiet rural uni instead.

Attend open days

Going to an open day will help you get a feel for the university and its culture. You will usually get the chance to talk to current students and lecturers so prepare some questions beforehand.

Do your research

Doing some online research is often a good place to start. You’ll learn what sort of courses are available and how the content differs from uni to uni. You can also think about location and what type of university might suit you, for example, a city versus a campus university.

Make a Uniselect shortlist

Our Uniselect tool helps you create personalised shortlists of universities based on certain criteria such as location, budget and subject you want to study. You can create multiple lists but it’s worth being clear on at least some of your preferences to help you reach a decision.