14 Sep 2016

University is awesome. You get to meet new people, learn about things you’re passionate about and enjoy a huge social environment full of like-minded people. Ask any graduate about it and they’ll probably tell you they wish they could go back. If you’re getting ready to make the big leap into a university degree, these are exciting times. But there are some things you’ll need to consider before getting started. Decisions – big decisions. Here’s the best advice comin’ atchya to warm up those cold toesies.

1. Go for the degree you’re really passionate about

Ask yourself what you’re really passionate about and why. Picking a degree just because you think it will make you rich or because your dad did the same one probably isn’t the most sensible option. While these are factors to consider, you’re going to have to like what you study, and to enjoy studying it for at least 3 years. Follow your passion and (hopefully) the rest will work out fine.

2. Pick the best university for your area of interest

Universities are ranked according to their prestige, with Melbourne, Sydney and ANU at the top of the list, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the top ranked university in the country is the best university for you. One university might specialise in law, another in graphic design and another in veterinary science. You probably don’t want to go to the vet science uni if you want to be a designer. Once you figure out what you want to study, you can assess which university is best for you based on that particular field.

3. Don’t be afraid to move away from home

Let’s say you really want to study law and you’ve just found out that ANU has one of the best legal faculties in the country. The thing is, ANU is in Canberra and you live in a rural area. Do you pack up just like that and start fresh? Or do you hang tight in your hometown and commute to the local uni. We say travel for the biggest and best opportunities. Moving away to study is, more often than not, filled with amazing experiences.

4. Consider the benefits of living on campus

If it looks like you’ll have to relocate for university, maybe you’ll want to live on campus. It’s a good way to transition into living out of home, with lots of extra social and academic support on your doorstep which day students have to go looking for.  You’ll meet heaps of new people from all over the world and get involved with your college community too. As Chef from South park once said: “There’s a time and a place for everything and it’s called college.”

5. Think critically

If there’s one thing that every university degree teaches you, it’s how to think critically about stuff. You learn how to gather information and figure out which information is the most relevant and correct. In a sense, this starts now. You have to assess all the advice and information, and decide for yourself which university is going to be best for you.