Top 10 University Tips

The IT Guy Does: 10 Top University Tips  

Thinking about going to University, but not sure if it is worth it? Perhaps looking for some advice from real Graduates? Want to know more about placement years? 

Having picked up a degree and completed a Graduate scheme, here are my top 10 tips to prepare, make the most of and even survive University!

1. Sandwich course / placement year (In short: great experience, helped career direction)
I would highly recommend selecting a University course that includes a year in industry or placement year. This type of course is also known as a sandwich course. This will be attractive to future employers as you will have a year’s experience as well as a degree. It you are planning on heading to University anyway, it will also provide an opportunity to save some money, treat yourself or even pay off some student debts. Depending how adventurous you are: some placements can be found abroad, nationwide (great if you fancy a change of scene) or locally (useful if you are happy where you are). The first two options may let you experience living a big city life or a remote countryside lifestyle for the first time. I spent a placement just outside of London, so at evenings and weekends I got to know the capital city and also learnt how to navigate the underground! Work wise, the placement year was fantastic. I learnt a lot, it helped me develop on both an individual and professional basis and even helped me identify my chosen career path. Placement years could also be the basis for your final year dissertation. I selected my university course due to the attraction of a placement year, that year has shaped my career and is one of my most valuable and enjoyable years to date. 

2. Enjoy the first year (In short: Enjoy the 1st year, it is not as demanding as the final year!)

The first year of university can be quite daunting, for most this is independence for the first time, moving away from home and what you know, but also having the choice of how you spend each day. The first year can help shape the rest of your University days. I’d recommend getting to know people, having fun and generally getting involved with clubs, sporting events, societies and trying new things. Obviously you should still study, but don't be afraid to enjoy the first year.

3. Obtain a 2:1 - (In short: When applying for jobs, you will be glad to have that 2:1)

Of course you should aim for a first, but I'd also suggest aiming for a minimum of a 2:1. After investing thousands of pounds and years of your life, achieving high grades should be the underlying priority and not forgotten. Hundreds, if not thousands of students studying the same course as you, graduate EVERY year. Unfortunately they become your competition - along with Graduates who didn't find employment the year before, or the year before that! 

4. Part time work (In short: You will appreciate the extra income)

Unless you are one of the lucky few, part time work should be on the cards. From either countering students debt, to funding nights our or simply being able to afford some food! Although most will be minimum wage – think on the bright side and perks of the job. Working in bars gives you a skill you can take anywhere – experience useful if you want to travel and see the world at a later stage – also a sociable job! Working at a restaurant or takeaway could result in discounts or free food. Promoting gigs or local events could result in free tickets etc. I worked as a football steward, resulting in seeing premiership football week in, week out. Quite an experience, paid fairly well and it was great trying to spot myself on match of the day! There will be some hot competition to find part time work, the sooner you search the better. 

5. Network - (In short: Get to know people, they may be a great contact later in life)

University is a great opportunity to network. Not only to meet people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, but also with the lawyers, IT experts, business managers and fitness coaches of the future! (As a short example) These contacts could lead to you collaborating to create the next big thing, or may just be useful later on in life. 

6. Career plan - (In short: You invest a lot of time and money, make it worth it)

When selecting a University course you could study what you are good at or what you are interested in. Just consider if the degree matches your career plan (if you have one). A degree is an investment of time and money – so use it wisely. If you don't have a career plan, perhaps look at Graduate schemes or jobs that you are interested in. What are the entry requirements. For example – if you want to progress to a career in IT, a computing or IT degree certainly helps. That said I have met people in IT and Engineering who studied history and physics! If you have a degree in a recognised or traditional field (think Science Technology Engineering or Mathematics) with a good grade – this shouldn't hinder any job applications. I've met a few people who studied specific areas or selected a course just for the sake of it. I think it's okay to approach University and not necessary have a career plan, but again – I'd recommend a course that is a safe bet and will shown a return for your invested time and money.

7. Worth the fees? - (In short: With the increased fees, think twice)

It's difficult to comment on this – I was fortunate enough to complete University before the significant rise in fees. If you have a career plan in mind and a requirement is a degree, then there may be only one option. If you are uncertain about what you want to do for a career – I wouldn't dismiss University based on student loans. Certainly read up on how they work and how much you need to be earning before you start repayments. It is a rewarding experience, if you are going to make the most of it – go for it. (In IT I chose the University route. I've met people in IT who didn't go to University, instead they chose a different route and have worked their way up – sometimes resulting in similar if not higher salaries.) 

8. Graduate schemes – (In short: Never give up)

Having completed one myself, if you go to University – I would highly recommend aiming for a Graduate scheme afterwards. There is a lot of competition for places from hundreds and thousands of new graduates each year. Get to the careers fairs, compare them online and don't be afraid to apply. If you are not successful one year, try again the next. It can be difficult to keep your head up if you are being rejected, or missed out on the dream job. I found it difficult and have supported others in their attempts. Some people simply give up. After multiple applications, stressful assessment days and rejection – it can become very disheartening. If you are not successful the 1st time or the 50^th time – learn from each experience, stay positive and try again. A Graduate scheme can lead to a rewarding package, being invested in by the employer and the start of a challenging and rewarding career. Apply early and don't be afraid of rejection. A motivation quote I like: “If you don't get rejected – you are not aiming high enough!”

9. Budget - (In short: At least try not to run out of money!) 

Due to the increased tuition fees, I think budgeting is even more important. If you can save any money before starting University – brilliant. Your student loans will seem like a god send when they first appear in your bank account, but it may soon become a count down until the next one. Do take your finances seriously – if you end up with no money and no food, what are you going to do? I know a few students who took out more than one student overdraft. At the time they had what seemed to be unlimited funds and were enjoying life. I only had one account, and after graduating it took years to pay it off. Having to work and save for a long period of time before achieving a bank balance of £0 sucks! 

10. Make the most of it - (In short: If you go, you won't regret it)

Final point – if you do take the plunge and head to Uni and become a student – make the most of it. They are guaranteed to be some of the best years of your life. I would quite happily repeat my University days, but at the same time listening to my own wise words above! Good luck!

It would be great to collect a few views or responses below. Has anything above stuck a chord? Has this helped? Have you paid the higher fees - are you happy with the investment? 

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-theitguy