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Was it worth going to University?

Mads

Given the state of the student loan system, especially from 2012-13 / Plan 2 / £9k (I can only sympathise). I went to university in England from 04-07. I completed a foundation & honours degree in Sports Science. Why? I loved it more than anything else in my life at the time. I turned a passionate hobby into a career, it didn't last long. Degrees I'm certain got me through the door in past interviews. If I had my time again I wouldn't go to university, I would hope to do an apprenticeship or join our armed forces. 

I'm curious about your experiences? 

Parents

  • Depends how you look it. I was similar to you. I turned a passionate hobby into a university degree with the intention of making it a career and then realised that making my hobby a job ruined my hobby so I had to think again. So work wise, no it wasn't worth it.

    Was I ready to start work at that point in time? Definitely not. Did I have some great life experiences whilst there? Yes 100%. I was very fortunate to go to a small university where I could live on campus all 3 years and keep my world nice and small so it wasn't too stressful. One of the only people in my life I would truly define as a friend I met at university.

    Was it all good? Of course not. Is anything always all good? I'd say no.

    Are there any downsides? I have a student debt yes but in all honesty I don't earn enough to pay it back. I think I'm paying £1 a month. If I earn more money at some point that will increase but I'll be able to afford the increase so it's not an issue to me. I'm about 15 years in already so actually only have 10 more years and then it's written off.

    I may not have used that degree so far and I may not have gone down that career path but I'm happy in the knowledge that I have it and that if I ever do feel I'm able to go down a higher career path, a degree counts for something, no matter what it's in and I may at some point have the option to do a masters or similar in something more in line with my career. I wouldn't have to start at the beginning of a degree late in life. 

    So yes, I think it was worth it even if it didn't go totally to plan. If I had my time again I think I'd still go but I guess I'd pick a different degree.

    I do wish the UK system was more like the American one for university. I would have really benefitted from minors and majors I think. It would have given me that bit more time to make decisions and not put everything on one subject. Seems better rounded to me and gives better flexibility career wise.

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  • Depends how you look it. I was similar to you. I turned a passionate hobby into a university degree with the intention of making it a career and then realised that making my hobby a job ruined my hobby so I had to think again. So work wise, no it wasn't worth it.

    Was I ready to start work at that point in time? Definitely not. Did I have some great life experiences whilst there? Yes 100%. I was very fortunate to go to a small university where I could live on campus all 3 years and keep my world nice and small so it wasn't too stressful. One of the only people in my life I would truly define as a friend I met at university.

    Was it all good? Of course not. Is anything always all good? I'd say no.

    Are there any downsides? I have a student debt yes but in all honesty I don't earn enough to pay it back. I think I'm paying £1 a month. If I earn more money at some point that will increase but I'll be able to afford the increase so it's not an issue to me. I'm about 15 years in already so actually only have 10 more years and then it's written off.

    I may not have used that degree so far and I may not have gone down that career path but I'm happy in the knowledge that I have it and that if I ever do feel I'm able to go down a higher career path, a degree counts for something, no matter what it's in and I may at some point have the option to do a masters or similar in something more in line with my career. I wouldn't have to start at the beginning of a degree late in life. 

    So yes, I think it was worth it even if it didn't go totally to plan. If I had my time again I think I'd still go but I guess I'd pick a different degree.

    I do wish the UK system was more like the American one for university. I would have really benefitted from minors and majors I think. It would have given me that bit more time to make decisions and not put everything on one subject. Seems better rounded to me and gives better flexibility career wise.

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