Description: Law and English tutor Lucy gives her insight and advice on how to decide what to study at University.
Pressure of Choosing
Choosing what you want to do with the rest of your life at the age of 16/17 is an incredibly daunting prospect. This can often pressure students to pick university courses that are not suited to them or their abilities, subsequently causing increased strain from doing work they don’t actually enjoy. Additionally, transferring courses mid-way through the academic year can be a stressful process and an administrative burden, which can incentivise students to remain on a course they dislike for the sake of it. As a result, they may not achieve the grades they are capable of because of a lack of passion for their subject.
So how do you choose what to study at university?
What are your goals?
First of all, it is important to consider your goals. Is there a specific job you want to do when you’re older? If so, research the qualifications you need to do that job and look into which university courses will provide you with those credentials.
If you’re not entirely sure what job you want, picture yourself in 10 years’ time. Can you see yourself sitting behind a desk, or doing a manual job? Do you prefer working on your own or in a team? Could you imagine yourself working with clients, or does that idea scare you? Would you prefer working a 9-5 day, or are you drawn towards more flexible working?
List the Pros and Cons
This type of thinking can help you narrow down what field you want to go into, even if you’re not entirely sure of the exact job you want yet. Another option is to take online quizzes that can suggest jobs you might enjoy based on the answers you give, which may prompt research into occupations you had not considered before. Combining these suggestions with the answers to the questions previously mentioned may help you find a field you will enjoy and a course that ticks all of your boxes. This can also be valuable if you are stuck deciding between two courses, as you can make a list of advantages and disadvantages based on your responses to the above questions and what you think you will be most suited to.
It’s Okay to not Know
If you are still unsure, it is important to remember that it is perfectly okay to feel uncertain about your future. When you are surrounded by other students who may know exactly what course they’re going to study, it can often feel like there is something wrong with you. You don’t feel as certain as they do. As a starting point: there is nothing wrong with you. Almost everyone feels terrified at this stage of life because it is a big decision to make. Try not to let it overwhelm you. Instead, focus on what you want to do, not what anyone else wants you to do. Or better yet what anyone else is doing for that matter.
Talk About It
A good starting point would be to speak to someone you trust. They may be able to provide useful insight into specific courses and careers. They will give an objective perspective as to your strengths and weaknesses and what field you might work well in. It is important to remember that what you choose to study is still your decision. Despite the advice or insight, you can pursue what you feel is right for you.
Short-Term Goals
However, even after this, if you remain undecided, another option is to consider short-term rather than long-term goals. Don’t worry so much about what you will be doing in 10 years’ time and think about what you want to be doing in two years’ time. Do you want to be doing a subject you love? After all, knowledge is a gift. Learning is an incredible tool and pursuing what you love may even provide access to career paths.
Different Paths
It is also okay not to go to university. Especially if you’re unsure whether university is right for you, let alone what course you want to study. There is no age limit as to when you can go to university. You are allowed to take as much time as you need to think about what you want to study. Perhaps undertake different experiences in the meantime to recognise your aspirations. University is not for everyone. Nowadays, there are more options as to what you can do after finishing your A-Levels. Whether that be undertaking an apprenticeship, traineeship, getting a job, or even doing a foundation degree. You can explore all of these paths when considering what university course to study and decide what is right for you.
The Choice Is Yours
Ultimately, what you choose to do after completing secondary education is entirely your choice. Should you decide to go to university, the course you select should be determined by you. Do not let anyone else influence what course you take or what job you aspire to. Aspirations can change, as will you as you grow and mature at university, and you realise what you want to do in life. Nothing is set in stone. Enjoying what you study should be your main priority when choosing a university course, and this will allow you to reap the benefits that you truly deserve.
By Tutor Lucy. Contact Us