h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Figure out if University is actually the right place to go.

In the UK the government is trying to get to the point where at least 50% of the population goes to university (which I think is similar to college figures for our American friends). This is making a big assumption that university is the best thing for 50% of the population.

I now run a company and vainly try to kid myself that it isn't all that long ago since I left to university (5 years for those that are curious). I've just employed two people who have just finished their first year at university ... hated it ... and wanted out. Both of them are fiercely clever, and both could sail through a degree. It just wasn't for them.

Personally I had a brilliant time and wouldn't swap it for anything. But it isn't great for everyone. Think about these questions:

Do you know what you want to do when you leave university?
... If you are in the somewhat unlikely position of having a 'career plan', find out from employers whether you need a degree to do it, or what advantages a degree will give you. (Just call their HR department; they'll be happy to have 10 minutes off fiddling with pension plans). Take their advice, a degree will open the door to many careers but you'll be surprised how are open without it.

Do you think of yourself as a 'doer' or a 'thinker'?
... If you're a thinker uni will be right up your street. Most of the people that I know who think they have had a bum deal from university are 'doers'. They are very bright but would rather get on with things rather than pontificating about them and learning the associated theory.

Can you afford it?
... The delights of university at the moment mean that the government no longer pays for your beer! Leaving university normally means leaving with a debt. In most cases this isn't a problem. If you're really good at your subject, see if you can get sponsored through your degree by a company. Lots of companies do it and 95% don't hold you to working for them afterwards.

Is a degree in Medieval Studies really worth it?
... At the risk of offending all those with Medieval Studies degrees ... a 2:2 in Medieval Studies from an unknown new university doesn't count for much in the big wide world. On the good side, you get 3 years of great fun, massive p**sups and two lectures a week. On the bad side you end up with a pretty but useless piece of paper, a massive debt and no great chance of paying it off.

Have YOU made the decision?
... Have you consciously made the decision that you want to go to university ... or has it just happened? If 'it's just happened' STOP have a , and actually make the decision yourself.

When you've thought about all of those questions and have decide it's right for you have an in preparation for next year.