I went to university at 18, had a ball and encouraged my children to do the same. Now, after watching students graduate for 38 years, do I still think it’s worth it? Absolutely.
There are clearly many benefits of getting a degree. But, like everything, it depends – not so much on where you go, but what you do when you get there.
Increasingly, reports suggest that a degree is not as valuable, or essential for employers, as it once was. But even though tuition fees leave students in debt, there is still a clear “graduate premium” with some earning on average 30 per cent more over their lifetime than non-graduates. Government data also shows that in 2024, 60 per cent of graduates were employed in high-skilled managerial, professional and technical occupations compared to 21.5 per cent of non-graduates. They also learn the new knowledge of their discipline, how to write, present and if they are taught well (by me!), should also come out being able to think critically. These are the “hard benefits” of getting a degree.
But university is about so much more than this.
Simply by being away from the watchful eye of parents, students learn the many life skills necessary for adulthood. They learn to get out of bed on time, manage their diary, turn up to wherever they need to be, wash their clothes (and themselves), set and meet deadlines and manage their money.
They also learn how to self-care and, over time, work out what they can cook on a budget, how much alcohol they can and should drink, whether weed really is helping them relax and what to do if they are feeling sad, worried or lonely. I have seen many transitions from dishevelled to washed, late to on time and permanently hungover to a recognition that this isn’t really the way to live in the longer term. Final year students often seem a long way from their fresher selves.
They also learn a whole new array of social skills. Many students come from comfortable worlds where they have a small group of friends and family with similar views, the same religion or culture and even similar haircuts and fashion. At university, everyone is in the same boat and everyone needs new people, so they learn to put themselves out there, be brave and chat.
They also meet a whole range of “others” who look, sound and act differently to challenge their stereotypes and bring out their sense of adventure and tolerance. Watching the shyer students making friends and the “outsiders” finding their tribe as their backgrounds, cultures and even haircuts merge across a shared passion has been fabulous.
And students grow in confidence. They learn to speak in public, have views of their own, feel proud of their independence, decide who they want to be, who they do and do not like and even feel better about how they look and who they are attracted to.
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All of this is due to getting out of their comfort zone, being around different people doing different things and feeling safe to make mistakes in a place where others are making similar mistakes around you.
But is this the case for everyone at every university? And do you need to go to university to reap these benefits?
Does the university matter? There are league tables for everything, and every university will rate the league table that rates them the highest. There are also century-old prejudices about which universities are the best (their Vice Chancellors were mates and used to meet at the Russell Hotel – yes, that’s why it’s called the Russell Group). According to this outmoded snobbery, I have worked at the best and worst of these but have always been the same me, doing my research and teaching my lectures.
I am therefore a massive sceptic of the notion of a “good university”. So, I would recommend that prospective students choose the one that feels right for you.
Choose a university that will give you a healthy amount of pressure
Consider whether you want a campus or a city. Do you want a throbbing nightlife or a few bars and some greenery? Do you want to be able to pop home if you need to or to escape and break free? Do you want a massive cohort with huge lectures or something more intimate? Does the status of the people at the university actually reflect those who will be teaching you? And do you want to be able to impress people with where you attend, rather than having a great time when you are there? Pick wisely. It’s definitely horses for courses, so don’t be swayed by the nonsense, just judge by having a good look round, listening to current students and taking the open day talks with a healthy pinch of salt.
The name of the university might not matter so much, but what they do with you really does. The point of going to university is to learn and grow up. And this is best achieved if you are not only supported but encouraged to push yourself.
All universities talk about valuing teaching but check that their good teachers are rewarded and not treated like second-class citizens. They may talk the talk of student care and wellbeing, but make sure their hearts are in it and if you need additional support, they will be able to offer it.
Also, make sure that they’ll push you, too. Giving presentations is scary, but after a while, you will feel pride at what you have achieved. Speaking in class can be daunting, but it gets easier, and soon you will enjoy being part of the debate. Meeting deadlines can be stressful, but with a bit of planning, time management and forward thinking, getting an assignment off your desk feels great, too. Universities can shy away from putting the pressure on. But a bit of pressure can be a good thing.
Remember that you must also push yourself. University is the time to try new things, meet new people and become a better version of yourself. Get out of your room and off your laptop and join societies, try new sports and make friends with anyone and everyone.
Read, think, discuss and grab everything that university has to offer. And leave home if you can. It can feel scary and, at times, exhausting. But the time to do it is when everyone is at the same stage, feeling equally worried but also equally forgiving and generous. If they are making mistakes, they are going to be much more forgiving of any of yours.
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Read MoreSo, yes. I would say university is still worth it. Pick the one that suits you and get out of your comfort zone to maximise the benefit.
But many of these benefits don’t have to come from going to university, however – it’s clearly not right for everyone. University is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood when people grow up in a safe place (and get a degree). But for many, it’s leaving home that makes the most difference. So maybe consider residential apprenticeships. Training programmes whilst living in halls or even forces training could work just as well.
Everyone needs to grow up and get ready for adult life. I’ve spent my career in universities watching this happen. But if it’s not for you, then find another safe space in which to experiment with who you are and make mistakes. But wherever it is, be brave and use the time before the rest of your life kicks in to find out who you really want to be.
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