To Uni Or Not To Uni- That Is The Question

Do you think people should go to University? Did you go to University? Is it worth it? What are some of your experiences at University?

We would love to hear your opinion on the subject matter, and if you have any wise words to those who are currently attending or thinking of attending university.

Check out what our Editors had to say about the subject via our latest Podcast series below ⬇️

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TdqO6ATIW3KHN3WKVufyJ

Replies7

  • @Georgia Hay I'd love to hear more about why you think this, as I feel I may be biased, where I went to university, and really enjoyed it!
  • I would absolutely recommend university to anybody. I absolutely loved my years there, and stayed on to complete a Master's degree and a PGCE. I would've happily stayed longer if I could have. Don’t get me wrong, upon reflection, I maybe would have gone to university slightly later, when I knew exactly what I wanted to study, as I would definitely have chosen a different degree, however, skills are transferable, and I still learnt so much that I carry with me daily.

    Academic element aside, the social element is incredible. I suffer with anxiety, and prior to going to university, was very shy and awkward. University gave me the opportunity to come out of my shell more, learn how to live as an adult, and make friends from a whole range of various backgrounds who were studying all kinds of degrees. This was also fantastic for networking, and regardless of your career path, or whether this changes beyond graduation, you leave university with a whole set of contacts (friends, acquaintances, lecturers...) that can help you throughout your working life.

    Academically, you learn a range of skills that you probably haven’t covered much prior to university, such as various research techniques. These are great skills to have, and I find them especially useful now I am working within education myself. As a creative, it’s also such a great place to build your portfolio, whilst not having to worry too much about finances. It’s a great place to network, and if you utilise every opportunity you are offered, will likely come away with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the arts.
  • Just my fly-by two cents, but I went to uni between 2009-2012 for a BA in Photography (Coventry)— in hindsight, it wasn't worth it then, let alone now when most fields are even more competitive than they were back then, and the university fees are so much higher.

    In those three years of studying, I progressed and learned more via self-initiated projects, self-teaching and assisting/interning, than from my course or lecturers. Plus, post-uni, my degree has never helped me get a job or advance in my creative career in any way, shape or form.

    All in all, I feel as though unless your degree will directly lead to entry-level positions/internships, either post-uni or as part of the course, getting a degree is redundant, especially in the arts, and especially in 2023 (unless... you go to CSM, LCC or Ecal, of course, *wink*).
  • I've listened to the podcast episode and it's really good!

    For me...I think it depends on the individual if they want to do a BA course. Firstly, I did an Art and Design Foundation Diploma at university that lasts for one year and it’s free for 18 years old. I feel like it’s worth it - being able to explore different art and design pathways. Plus, when you don’t know which pathway you want to go in, there’s that extra time to explore. You get the same opportunity to use the facility and newsletter opportunity where they host free events and activities! Afterward, I decided to take a 2-3 year break - completing internships and working to decide what I wanted to do next. My goal is to become a junior graphic designer. My first year of university for a BA course…I was able to learn about themes such as AI. Also joining a Christian society to build up my faith.  My tip if you’re thinking about attending university I highly recommend doing an Art and Design Foundation Diploma first (because it’s free, you can get to know the university environment, and it’s good for those who are looking to build a design portfolio for university when you have expert professors can give you feedback on it) and then decide if you want to do BA course right now or later. There’s no rush.
  • I don't recommend uni as a first option. I went to uni and I regret it badly. I studied illustration and graphics. There are so many other cheaper ways to get a job in the industry. For example.: companies that offer graphic design programmes are looking for a full-time graphic designer after completion. I’ve learned so much from a (£100) 1-month course than I did in the (£50k+) 3 years
  • I loved my years at uni, would have stayed longer if I could, but my degree is completely irrelevant to the career I'm in now. However, some of the assignments I completed were useful to show I had experience working on similar projects.
    One of my best friends works in the same field and didn't go to university at all. He found a day job and used his spare time to pursue his ideal career as a passion until he was able to make it his day job.
    You don't need a Bachelors to edit video but you do learn valuable life lessons at university. It's very much up to the individual and what they aspire to.

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