Why go to university?

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?

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).

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).

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!