Is university right for you?

Deciding to study for a university degree is a major step, although one which can open the doors to an exciting career and new opportunities. There's a lot to consider when thinking about going to university, and whilst higher education offers valuable experiences, it's not necessarily the right path for everyone.

We’ve outlined some essential factors to help you decide if university is the right path for you.

Careers that require a degree

Your career aspirations might help you decide if you need a university degree. If you want to enter a profession such as medicine, law, or teaching, for example, you'll need a degree due to the significant depth of knowledge that's required to practice. 

Similarly, you'll also need specialist subject knowledge for careers in fields such as engineering or scientific research.

Transferable skills

Even if you're not sure what you want to do, keep in mind that university can give you valuable transferable skills. Many employers and graduate schemes look for graduates, not necessarily for subject knowledge but for skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, and workload management. Earning a degree also demonstrates to employers that you have shown perseverance and discipline.

Although a degree isn’t a guarantee of a job, it can certainly improve your chances. A large percentage of graduates secure employment soon after finishing university.

Alternative routes

University isn't the right fit for everyone, and there are plenty of alternative paths that may suit your goals. If you're looking for a more practical, hands-on career or trade, then an apprenticeship can offer a direct path into the workforce. For careers in tech, art, or entrepreneurship, you might find alternatives such as bootcamps, online training, or other certifications serve you better. For these types of career, you might also find that experience and/or a portfolio of work will be more valuable to you than a degree.

You might also want to think about your working style. If you’re someone who may struggle with independent study, an alternative path might be a better fit. A gap year can also be a great option if you need more time to make a decision.

Some people prefer to start earning money right away. While a full-time university course usually doesn’t allow for a full-time job, part-time, evening, or distance study can be a more flexible option.

Is University worth it financially?

There's no getting away from it: the cost of university can certainly be substantial, and it's something to consider before you apply. Along with tuition fees (unless you're a Scottish student attending a Scottish university, where the Scottish government pays your fees), you'll also need to budget around £10,000-£12,000 a year for living costs.

However, many students feel that university is a worthwhile investment. Graduates in certain fields tend to see higher earnings that make up for the initial cost of studying.

Student loans also work differently to regular debts. Repayments are gradual and based on income, so many students see it as more like a tax than a traditional debt.

Financial support is available while you are a student. Our Student Funding pages provides details of the finance related support to students at the University of Dundee.

The Pathways Graduate tool on the Careers tab of our course pages breaks this down in more detail, showing average earnings and typical roles for graduates in each degree course.

Personal benefits

When considering whether university is right for you, it's important to look at more than just the financial side. Whilst these are harder to measure, the personal benefits can be just as valuable. University is what you make of it, and you’ll need to be proactive to get the most out of the experience.

Follow your passion

If there's a subject that you're passionate about, university will give you the opportunity to study it in more depth. You'll be able to explore topics in detail, guided by experts in the field, and often be able to specialise in a niche aspect that really interests you. Studying something you love can be incredibly rewarding, as well as potentially laying the groundwork for a meaningful career.

Find out what you enjoy studying

However, if you're not sure what you want to focus on, that is completely normal too! Particularly in Scotland, you will have the opportunity to try out different subjects to see what sparks your interest. Our flexible degrees can make it easier for you to change your mind rather than being locked into the choice you make at the start. You'll be able to extend the breadth of your knowledge, as well as the depth.

Learn more about the flexibility of a Scottish four year degree

Build career networks

University also gives you a head start in building valuable connections with people in your field. Through your classes, projects, and networking events, you’ll meet people with similar goals and connect with professionals who could be future mentors. These connections are invaluable when it comes to starting your career.

Learn more about the University of Dundee's Careers Service

Make new friendships

University is a great time to meet new people and form lifelong friendships. You'll be able to live and study with people from across the globe. You can even broaden your perspective by taking part in a student exchange, and choosing to live, study, and travel overseas.

Learn more about student life in Dundee

Gain experiences beyond academia

University life goes beyond the classes that you take. Societies, clubs, and other student-led activities offer countless ways to explore your interests, build skills, and try out new hobbies. Whether you’re interested in sports, arts, enterprise, or social causes, these experiences develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that are valuable in any career. 

Taking on a leadership role in a society, organising a student event, or representing students on Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA)’s student council also provides experiences you can talk about in future job interviews.

Several courses offer study exchange opportunities, allowing you to spend a semester or year abroad at one of our partner institutions. It's an unforgettable experience!

Find out what sports and societies are on offer at the University of Dundee

Learn more about student representation at DUSA

Find out about studying abroad

Grow in confidence and find your path

University is a time where you can gain independence, figure out who you are, and explore different paths. When you finish school, it's often difficult to know exactly what career path will suit you, but many students find that by the end of university, they have a clearer sense of their future direction.