The Aspire Guide - Flipbook - Page 10
Why University?
Making the decision to spend three or more years at university is not an easy one, particularly given the
financial costs. Here we explain some of the reasons why over 40% of school leavers go on to university.
1. Life experience
A great benefit of going to university is the experience you get from it. A huge part of the university
experience is the social life, whether this means joining extracurricular societies, enjoying the nightlife,
or simply making new friends.
Alongside your studies, universities offer lots of opportunities to meet interesting people from all over the
world. You could live with other like-minded students, or meet people through clubs and societies. There
are societies for almost every interest - sports, music, hobbies, drama, politics, religion, charity and more.
If the society which you want to join doesn’t exist, then you can create it!
Some universities have upReach societies, state school societies, groups that campaign for firstgeneration students (who are the first in their family to go to university). Most universities have LGBTQ+
societies, religious groups, women’s campaigns and groups for BAME students. There is a place for
everyone at university, and this kind of student-led initiative can help university seem much less daunting.
What’s more, participating in clubs, taking on leadership roles, or founding your own society can make
you stand out to employers. This means you’ll have fun, whilst also boosting your CV and getting ahead
when it comes to securing a graduate job.
2. The course
Studying at a university level allows you to commit time to deepening your understanding of the subject
you love. The choice of subjects can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially because there are lots of
options available that you can’t study at A-Level. When making your decision, you might find it useful
to go to open days, reach out to current students, or discuss your interests and options with teachers or
careers advisors at your school or college.
Name: Arjun
Winner of the Banking and Finance Award at the 2019
Student Social Mobility Awards.
Subject: Business and Management
University: Queen Mary, University of London
I saw university as an opportunity to learn from some of the most committed, driven and talented
set of global academics who have made an impact in their respective fields of work and study.
Being able to study alongside students who came from across the world exposed me to different
perspectives and cultures that have cumulatively helped build a foundation of tolerance, respect
and collaboration, which are important values in the world of work! I also knew studying at a
top London university meant I would get the opportunity to make friends with people who have
come from all across the world!
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