1. Why go to university?

2. Higher Education concerns
Can be a daunting prospect
Common concerns include:
Moving away from home
Meeting new people
Living and study costs
Managing workload.
Many students are unsure if university is really for them
Another potential 3-4 years of academic commitment
Is it worth it? How will it be different from school/college?

3. HE versus FE How is HE different to your FE studies now? HE is:
A choice from over 150 different institutions and thousands of courses
A different way of learning and working to school/college
Varying levels of subject
Foundation Degree
HND
Degree (BA, BSC, LLB, BEng, BEd).

4. HE learning styles Emphasis is placed on independent learning
You can choose a course and modules to suit your interests and preferred learning style
Teaching methods include:
Lectures
Seminars
Workshops
Lab/practical sessions.
Assessment types include:
Exams
Essays
Group work
Presentation
Lab reports
Practical coursework (eg performance, painting, website creation).

5. Student Support
Universities have lots of support staff across many areas, including:
Study
- Libraries are often open 24 hours to suit you
- Support available for all learning difficulties (often additional funding)
- Students assigned a personal tutor
Personal
Counselling
Money and Welfare
Housing
Health
Careers
Religious
Support is available – just ask!

6. Personal benefits of HE
Independence – support available if needed
Meet people
Experience a different part of the country (or world)
Explore a personal interest in a subject
Achieve a qualification towards career progression
Gain transferable skills.

7. Living experiences Move to a new town or city
Meet hundreds of new people instantly
Meet and interact with people from different backgrounds to you
Flatmates are a great support network
Lots of opportunities for spontaneous social activities
Gain independence by cooking, cleaning, and managing your bills
Make friends for life!

8. International experiences
Many universities run students exchange programmes, Erasmus is the most common
Exchanges to countries all over the world including France, Greece, USA, China, Italy and Iceland
Millions of students take part every year
Funding available to cover travel and studying costs
A chance to experience another part of the world/culture
Learn a new language
Broaden your university experiences

9. Social experiences
Students’ Union is home to sports teams, societies and further support
Many universities also have a student newspaper, radio station and TV channel!
Universities compete with each other in sporting events and for The Student Media Awards
A chance to make new friends
Getting involved improves your transferable skills
You haven't got to have any previous experience or be particularly sporty to join!

10. Graduate employment Universities teach the skills that employers value
Lots of employment choice:
Professional areas
Graduate schemes
Non-graduate jobs.
Two thirds of graduate jobs don’t ask for a specific degree subject, just that level of education
Graduates enter professions at a higher level
Degree and university experiences can enhance your CV

11. Graduate salaries A degree is an investment into your future
Average graduate starting salary is £19,300
Over a lifetime a graduate will earn 20-25% more than a non-graduate
Graduates progress faster than non-graduates

12. Conclusion Your future – a fantastic opportunity
Improve your career prospects
Make the most of all the experiences on offer
Ask for help and support if you need it
Best years of your life!