Deciding to go to university is a huge decision, and choosing what to study, and where to go, can be extremely daunting. Here is a quick overview of the basic steps you can take as you embark on the next chapter of your education.
The seemingly endless abundance and diversity of degrees on offer across the world’s universities is overwhelming to say the least. Choosing a degree to study is a huge undertaking and carries a lot of pressure – often spanning multiple years of your life, dictating your friendships, social circles, living location and career prospects, there’s a lot to lose when it comes to the big decision. But there is also a lot to gain, and the path is never as narrow as you think.
How do I choose the right degree for me?
The ‘right’ degree probably encompasses a range of different degrees, as many courses overlap in their career opportunities, course content, and final outcomes. However, the most fit degree course for you depends on a number of factors, which can help you narrow down your choices.
First of all, identify your interests, passions and strengths. What drives your curiosity? What kind of books, documentaries, and social media feeds do you find yourself drawn to? Who are your role models or people that inspire you? Which subjects have you excelled in at school, and what change do you want to make in the world?
The ocean is a large place, and the breadth of marine-related careers is even larger. From underwater camera operators to marine mammal researchers, there is an unbelievable amount of job diversity out there, and every skill – whether that be creative writing or mechanical maintenance – can find its place. At the beginning, you only need to think broadly. Are you more of a practical thinker, enjoying field work and hands-on work? If so, an applied or research-heavy degree may be for you. If you are more interested in learning in-depth material about a subject via lectures, a taught degree is the way to go. Scroll through some university website degree lists, just to get an idea of what’s out there, and have a think. You can shortlist the ones that most stand out to you, and then start narrowing this down.
The second step is to think about where you want to study. What is feasible for you? If studying abroad sounds like something you want to pursue, there are plenty of exchange programmes to assist you in this process. Or, if staying closer to home suits you more, you can start investigating the websites of local universities in your home country. If you already have an idea of the field you want to study in, for example ‘marine biology’, you can also search for where the top universities are that deliver these courses.
Another factor to consider is your financial situation; different countries, cities and universities will have different costs of living, tuition fees, and accommodation costs. If you plan to study abroad, there is also the factor of travel costs to consider, especially if you plan to visit friends and family often.
How do I choose the most suitable university for me and my goals?
There are many parts of university life that will make a specific campus and location feel right. If you have narrowed down your degree course to a shortlist, this can be used to identify which universities teach this course, and which have the best reputation for that specific subject. You can also check the various elective courses, course structure, field trips and facilities offered by each university to further narrow down your choice.
As well as the degree itself, socialising is a huge part of student life, and it is important to feel comfortable and at home in your chosen university town or city. What else are you looking for, in addition to your studies? It is a good idea to check the societies offered by each university, and check out the amenities and social scene in the town itself. Think about café culture, nightlife, public transport, and ease of access to nature such as parks, woodlands and beaches.
The best thing you can do is go and visit the university, especially on a student open day. This allows you to speak to lecturers and other students, see the campus for yourself and also get a feel for the town or city. If you can’t make it to an open day in person, online sessions are usually available and are useful for asking any questions you might have. Most universities also have a section of their website dedicated to personal experiences from their current students, Q&As about student life there, and tips on what to do and where to go if you are a new student.
Things work out
At the end of the day, the university and degree you choose is not the be all and end all of your career, so don’t stress too much! Listen to your gut, be logical and consider all the factors before making a decision – and then see what fate has in store. No matter where or what you end up studying, your time at university will undoubtedly be some of the most important, memorable, fun and forming years of your life, and will open up a world of opportunity for your future, including life-long friendships, career connections, and a foothold in the marine world.
Thanks to our guest writer Sophie Coxon for this blog!
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