University or work, win or loose? opinions from all ages please?

its crunch time and in the next three weeks il be sending off my university application, though i still dont know wether i want to even go to university or what actual course i would do.

i finished my a levels, worked for a year, and am now doing an art foundation course. my ideal university course would consist or wood metalwork with photography and graphic design. but in reality theres no one course that does all those, and furthermore would a degree in any of them help me get a job in one/ all of the subjects at the end of it?

just any words of wisdom please, as ive been thinking the same queries over and over for the past three years

going to uni isn't just about the academic growth its also about gaining social awareness. i went to uni in my 30's and it was the best thing i have ever done. i am now in my final yesr and i have met some wonderful friends that i will keep for the rest of my life. also 3-4 of my oldest friends have also begun uni because they saw how much i enjoyed it and the growth it gave me. decide which of those areas you most have a passion for and go for it!!!! good luck!!!!

i think you should go to the university, and all those things that you love to do are great, trust me you will find a job with all those things that you do, is just that it takes time, good luck!

personally i wouldnt bother with uni, purely because it is sooo expensive and what sorta qualification do you want to gain from it. going to uni will not guarantee a job at the end of the day. But if you keep thinking about it over and over that tells me its something you really want to do. Best of luck whatever decision you make.

You could phone up several companies where you would like to work and ask them. They might do a college/work scheme where you can do both - gaining a degree and experience.

Have you considered a vocational qualification in one (or more) of your choices?

You could get a qualification in that and then use it to get on a degree course in the others....

Or maybe a HND leading onto a degree?

I've just been doing some more reading on this and I think that you would be wise to look into the HND path.

Just to add: on my degree course (IT) the HND students were better motivated and harder working than the straight degree students. (I was a straight degree student....) and ended up with a more rounded education.

Alot of employers take on university students less because of the specific skills they have and more because of getting a well-rounded experience at university - they have to have self-discipline and commitment to be able to do the work, you tend to grow up alot at uni.

Uni is also a great experience in itself - you'll meet lots of interesting people, probably make friends for life, you can join clubs and societies and get lots of culture and sport in your free time.

You're lucky to have the opportunity to go to uni - alot of people don't - if i were you I'd take it - you may regret it in later life if you don't.

a degree isnt worth much these days......

unless

its in something practical that you can use. for example

law or medicine.

i know people with degrees that work in asda because they cant get a job

I see no reason why you couldn't do both, there's not subtitute for education. Education will get you to the door and work will give you the experience while learning. Many students, including me, did both and now are reaping the profits of that effort.

a real dilemma for you,however a degree is worth about 3,000 a year in salary more than other starters.But this does not mean you are qualified for the job as you would lack experience, companies play the wages game from whatever background you have, a job you enjoy is the most important thing followed by a wage you can live on, landing yourself in debt via student loans is another thing...try to evaluate clearly not through rose tinted glasses...good luck..

I have just spent 3 years at Uni as a mature student (i'm 31). I graduated in July and i'm still looking for work, i cannot find any position as i do not have experience...It's a catch 22.

Rammie says a degree isn't worth much today. But graduates are still a minority and are still paid more than non-graduates. It's your future but degrees still open doors that remain shut to non-graduates.

Id apply, go for the interview, get the place then decide what to do, im pressuming its to start sept 08 so youve still got a good few 10mths to change your mind.

My mum always used to say if your not sure dont do anything till your sure.. but you can still apply , get the place until you are sure ? As long as you have a place you can mostly change courses at short notice providing theres spaces. Other wise wait till sept and go through clearing onto any available courses.

Going to uni isnt just about getting a degree HELL no who needs education
its about student loan seedy night clubs cheap booze

the average students is more often piss then sober
Hell yes its good to miss lectures, what the hell you can resit the year

ask my son he is a uni student and seems permanently in a drunken stupor
Uni degrees arent so highly looked on as they were,
better off finding a job you like and work your way up in the company after all would you employ some jumped up little git with a degree? that had never worked a day in his/her life?