When thinking about University there are many pros and cons to consider.

5 Reasons Not To Go To University:

1. Money

Let’s be honest: when University comes to your mind, the first thing you think of is debt. The first on the list of reasons not to go to university is the money you’ll need to cover your financial expenses and the long-term debt of your student loan. The BBC reported that average University tuition fees have risen to £9,250, which is starting to reduce the number of school leavers going into higher education, and increasing the number of students looking to apprenticeships, vocational training and other career routes.

2. Apprenticeships Can Help You Get a Job Faster

Many apprentices find learning on the job a more beneficial experience than learning years of theory before putting it into practice. Across many different fields, especially engineering, apprenticeships can do a better job of preparing you for your chosen career by getting stuck into the world of work from day one.

Unlike University debt, apprenticeships enable you to earn real money from the beginning. Employers will look favourably on the practical experience you have already gained whilst others have bene studying degrees, giving you the chance to secure a good job and rewarding career straight from school. One of the best reasons not to go to university is the alternative career and lifestyle that apprenticeships can provide.

3. Education

Although University degrees look good on a CV and are of course very worthwhile for students across many subjects, education is about a lot more than sitting in a classroom. Whilst going to university will teach you about theory, analysis, and writing essays, reasons not to go to university include what university can’t teach you: how to use machinery or tools correctly, prioritising your daily workload, managing conflict, setting goals, self-direction, preparing you for work and ‘soft’ skills like teamwork, communication and upskilling.

4. Quicker Ways to Get a Job

Three years is a long time to wait before looking for your first job and starting on your career path, and a degree does not automatically guarantee you a job. There are now more University graduates than ever before, and due to the wide variety of degree subjects available, many degrees are not relevant to students’ desired career paths.

Although unemployment in the UK has fallen in the previous year, the job market is still incredibly competitive, and many graduates lose out to more experienced applicants who have gained skills from apprenticeships or previous work experience/training.

5. A Change of Career

Last on the list of reasons not to go to university is that university can sometimes result in an even longer career path to get to your ideal role. For many students, the subject of your degree isn’t as exciting or rewarding as it was at A-Level. Your degree might not be the right fit for your plans for the future, but instead might open your eyes to new paths that are unrelated to your qualification and lead you somewhere irrelevant to your University studies.

Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to quickly discover whether your desired career is for you and earn a salary from day one.

Need help getting a job? Read the 10 Most Common Interview Mistakes or our guide on How to Improve Your CV.