University can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. On one hand, the opportunity to meet new people and try new things is what draws many students in, but in the same breath, the first real taste of independence can leave some students feeling lost.
To help prospective students through this time, we’ve compiled a guide which should serve to clear up some of the confusion surrounding this change as well as provide some sense of direction.
Consider Your Employment Options
Before getting too caught up in all the fun and excitement, the time spent before university should be used to really get a grasp of where your future career aspirations lay.
Your chosen degree should always be focused on a subject that will provide a sound basis for later employment prospects and give you a wide range of options when you eventually enter the job market.
Ideally, your chosen course will also surround a subject matter that actively interests you which will make the chances of success more likely.
Make Sure You’re Comfortable
The right university is the one where you feel the most at home, which doesn’t always correlate to university rankings or perceived prestige. It’s always a good idea to make sure that you attend as many open days as possible as this is the key to really familiarising yourself with where you’ll spend the next 3 years of your life.
In addition, making sure that you’re comfortable with the town or city you’ll be staying in is paramount as not all of your time will be spent in lectures or studying.
Strike the Right Balance
University life is a fine balance between education and entertainment. The most successful students are the ones that manage to obtain the grades they need whilst still involving themselves in as much extracurricular activities as possible.
Partying and the nightlife scene is fine as long as that’s not the only reason you’re enrolled at university.
Try New Things
You will often find that the university you attend offers a whole host of additional activity you could get involved in. This may include playing a variety of sports or involving yourself with a volunteering society that helps vulnerable sections of society.
All of these activities will broaden your horizons and boost your resume, making you more attractive to employers once you graduate.
Ask for Help
No matter what you’re currently facing, help is always on hand. You will be able to access the advice and support facilities available at your university and of course can always talk to friends and family.
If you would like more information about the process of applying to university, help is at hand. www.applytouni.com is a great resource available for all prospective and current university students. If you’re about to start the application process, you will find a ton of information available online as well as plenty of social forums where you can directly ask experienced students any questions you have.
These resources are invaluable so make the most of them to fully experience the benefits of university.