Should I go to university?
It’s a big decision that can change your life in so many ways. It’s a chance for independence, knowledge, new experiences, new friends, and a step towards a dream career.
Find out where university could take you.
Questions to ask yourself
- Is there a subject I’m passionate about and want to learn in more detail?
- What's my dream career and what do I need to get there?
- Do I want to move away from home and if not, can I commute to university?
- Can I afford to go to university?
- What would I do if I didn’t go to university?
Is university worth it?
Whether going to university is 'worth it' or not depends on many factors and varies from person to person. Does your dream career require a degree? Will the skills you learn help to secure a good job, or a better-paid job? Can you afford the debt?
What you gain from your time at university depends on what opportunities you decide to pursue. The course you choose to study is obviously important, but it’s also about what you make of your time outside the classroom. You'll have access to sports clubs and societies, volunteering and placement opportunities, career coaching, regular events, and more. Universities provide the space to explore who you are and who you want to be, so you don't just graduate with a degree.
You don’t even need a specific career in mind to go to university. You'll discover more about the types of roles you can go into and have the time to explore what you enjoy and what you want to do after uni.
Having a degree in a particular subject doesn't necessarily tie you to a specific career either. Whatever your chosen course, you’ll gain transferable skills and experience, and sometimes taking the unconventional route to a role can give you an edge over other candidates.
University offers you:
Preparation for working life
- Tutoring from experts with real-world experience in your subject
- Training with equipment and facilities used in your industry
- The opportunity to do a placement in your field
- The option to study abroad during your course
Support services
- You'll have access to careers coaching and employability services that specialise in your subject area
- Financial, mental health and wellbeing, academic, and disability support, to ensure you're free to focus on your studies
Connection opportunities
- Opportunities to network with local, national and global organisations to get your foot in the door
- Make connections with peers who could become lifelong friends, or even collaborators
Space for personal growth
- The time and space to explore who you are and what you enjoy doing
- Access to extra-curricular activities such as sports clubs, societies, events, and more
What can you study after your A-levels?
Your A-level subjects can open the door to a wide range of degree courses. For example:
| If you're studying... | You could explore... |
|---|---|
| Biology | Biomedical science, Nursing, Wildlife Conservation |
| Chemistry | Chemistry, Forensic Science, Pharmacology |
| Maths | Engineering, Computer Science, Finance |
| Psychology | Psychology, Criminology, Social Work |
| English | English, Journalism, History |
| Art or Design | Graphic Design, Illustration, Product Design |
| Business | Business, Marketing, Economics |
Even if you're not sure what career you want, exploring different subjects can help you discover new opportunities.
Browse undergraduate courses
Funding a degree
It’s worth understanding how student loans work in the UK and the debt you’ll be taking on. You won't start repaying your undergraduate loan until you earn over £25,000. The loan acts like a tax on anything you earn over £25,000, which you'll then pay 9% of. So if your salary is £30,000, you'll pay 9% of £5,000 (£450) each year.
You'll be charged 3.2% interest on the outstanding amount, but you can choose to overpay. Otherwise, the remaining balance will be written off after 40 years.
If you’re worried about the cost of going to uni, you can look for scholarships and bursaries to relieve some of the financial burden. Many students work part-time alongside their studies or you could apply to local universities and commute to remove accommodation costs from your expenses.
Universities also provide financial support services, so if you need advice on budgeting or paying your fees, they’ll be ready to help. Our Careers team can help improve your CV, prepare you for interviews, and send you relevant vacancies.
Will going to university help me get a job?
Going to university can certainly help your career prospects. Employers want to see real experience as well as working knowledge, which our Employability offering focuses on. We provide placement opportunities with every course and have connections with local, national, and global businesses, so that you're work-ready by the time you finish your studies.
Many of the soft skills employers look for can be gained from extra-curricular activities at university. Take advantage of these opportunities and you'll have more to talk about at interviews and the skills to take into the role.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re still unsure about university, these answers may help you feel more confident about your next step.
That’s completely normal. Choosing what to do next is a big decision, and it’s okay to take your time.
Open days are a great way to explore your options. You can get a feel for university life, speak to lecturers about subjects you enjoy, and experience the facilities you’d be learning in. It’s also a chance to explore new places and see whether a city could feel like home.
Talking things through with people you trust – such as parents, carers, teachers, or friends – can really help. Our university support teams are also here to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
You might find it useful to compare your options, too. Think about the benefits of university alongside alternatives like apprenticeships, a gap year, or going straight into work, and see what feels right for you.
It’s okay to feel unsure about whether university will suit you. Many students discover new interests and directions once they start, and that’s all part of the experience.
If your course isn’t quite right, you may be able to change direction or explore a different subject. There’s support available to help you find the path that works best for you.
And if university isn’t the right fit, there are still options available. What matters most is finding a route that feels right for your future.
You won’t be on your own. Universities have a wide range of support in place to help you succeed – from academic guidance to wellbeing and mental health support.
Your tutors are there to support your progress, and you’ll also be part of a student community where you can learn from and support each other.
If you do find things challenging, there are ways to get back on track, including extra support, taking time out, or exploring alternative study options. We’re here to help you find a way forward.
Applying doesn’t lock you in. You can still take time to decide what’s right for you before accepting an offer.
If you apply and later feel unsure, you can explore other options, including Clearing. This gives you the flexibility to find a course that suits you.
Even after accepting a place, you may have the option to defer your start date or reconsider your plans. There’s space to change your mind as you figure out what’s best for you.
You don’t need to have everything planned out before you start university. Many students start with a general interest and discover what they enjoy most as they go.
University gives you the chance to explore a subject in more depth, build transferable skills, and try new experiences – from placements and internships to clubs and societies. These opportunities will help you learn more about what suits you.
There’s also dedicated careers support available throughout your studies and after you graduate, helping you explore options, gain experience, and take your next step with confidence.
In most cases, it’s not too late. There are still opportunities to apply after the main deadline, including through Clearing.
Clearing can be a great option if you’re applying later, have changed your plans, or want to explore different courses. There are still plenty of courses available, and support is on hand to guide you through the process.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking your options – you might find the right course is still open to you.
Choosing your university and course
If you decide you want to go to university, the next step is choosing which one. You may also have a subject in mind, but not necessarily a specific course.
Take a look at our guide to choosing a university and your course, as well as exploring NTU as one of your options.
