University - overrated?

Now I know there'll be a mix of answers here, but does anyone else think the whole experience of university (especially first year) is overrated?

To me, first year isn't what I'd thought it'd be and whilst I'm enjoying it to a certain extent, I think it's so overhyped. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad I've gone and I think that overall it's a good choice to make due to gaining your own independence, living in a new town/city etc. - but half the time I just think it's like school again and it's nothing special. I just regard it as something I have to do to get where I'm going (something I don't even know yet) and it's just the next stage in my life - rather than a 'amazing fantastic life changing experience' right from the off.

Opinions?

Reply 1

Beska

21

Don't get me wrong, but I thought university was for learning more about your respected field rather than just a life experience?

Reply 2

kat2pult

18

I think the university experience is a huge part of university and I agree it's overhyped. I always had in my mind that it would be the most fun I've had in my life, that people will be mature and studious but still know how to let go and have fun, but it's just not like that.

Now, like you, I see it as part of my journey to something greater.

Reply 3

PasserBy9

11

Spending 3+ years at University is certainly life changing - it is just quite difficult to see it at the time, look back when you graduate and think what you were like when you finished school/college; what were your priorities and opinions then, what are they now?

That said, the stereotypical 'experience' (constant clubbing, missing lectures, just eating take-away etc) is perpetuated more by people who aren't at Uni than those that actually experience the lifestyle - questioning those that truly believe this myth is a great pastime. Most students acknowledge that you do actually have to balance socialising with work [with lack of funds], and if they don't, they usually aren't students for much longer.

Reply 4

RELAXED

2

Original post by PasserBy9

Spending 3+ years at University is certainly life changing

Don't mean to be a bore, but 3+ years doing anything is life changes, especially at age 18. Your life will change in 3 years of doing anything new. In my opinion, you grow up faster in 3 years of life in the "real world" - working and getting a place to live that you pay for.... career progressing.

Also, it's not uncommon that graduates will start lower down than if they had worked for the last 3 years instead.

Reply 5

Studentus-anonymous

12

Original post by staring.space

Now I know there'll be a mix of answers here, but does anyone else think the whole experience of university (especially first year) is overrated?

To me, first year isn't what I'd thought it'd be and whilst I'm enjoying it to a certain extent, I think it's so overhyped. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad I've gone and I think that overall it's a good choice to make due to gaining your own independence, living in a new town/city etc. - but half the time I just think it's like school again and it's nothing special. I just regard it as something I have to do to get where I'm going (something I don't even know yet) and it's just the next stage in my life - rather than a 'amazing fantastic life changing experience' right from the off.

Opinions?

A bit. I always saw university as some big thing...not that I was unaware that it was populated by normal folk but in my mind it was this big goal to reach.

Glad I got there but I did get a bit of a reality check. It was fun but yeah, just nothing overly awesome or anything.

Reply 6

cadaeibfeceh

17

It depends what perspective you come from - I think it's a huge change from boarding school because of the increased freedom, much smaller timetable, etc, but my friends who went to college don't see such a big change.

Reply 7

Bonged.

10

I kind of just saw it as a way of moving to the next stage of my life. I agree the whole thing is overhyped. People being mature and intelligent for instance. There's still the same old cliquey bull.

Reply 8

ponpon14

14

I havent found it overhyped in the sense its the most fun, its just the way i have the fun (i dont go to nightclubs/drink)
Its changed me as a person, ive met the best people I could expect to meet, am in a good relationship realise i love my subject and the independence and feedom it has given me is brilliant. All in all, I think it isnt overrated for me at least.

Reply 9

La Esmerelda

17

Original post by RELAXED

Don't mean to be a bore, but 3+ years doing anything is life changes, especially at age 18. Your life will change in 3 years of doing anything new. In my opinion, you grow up faster in 3 years of life in the "real world" - working and getting a place to live that you pay for.... career progressing.

Also, it's not uncommon that graduates will start lower down than if they had worked for the last 3 years instead.

Er not really, otherwise what'd be the point of doing a degree?

University has been the best time of my life and I think that the social aspect is just as important as the academic aspect-why be somewhere for three years that you don't enjoy even if it may lead to a better job in the long run? I don't think uni is overrated at all-I think its a place where you can learn and grow and take up new interests; I've met lots of friends that I'll be in touch with for life, have hitch hiked to Morocco with my uni, am planning to do the great wall of china next year, have taken up lacrosse and archery, got a job with my SU shop, took gliding lessons (at a fraction of the cost-less than £4 a flight), took up ballet for a bit, began a beginners Italian class, started writing for my university magazine and realised that I wanted to be a journalist etc etc. Uni is the place to try new things and its imperative to take advantage of it whilst you're still relatively responsibility-free.

Maybe you guys just picked the wrong universities :s

Reply 10

Mr Student

14

It depends what you make of your time there. You may develop a lot intellectually and socially if you make the most of the opportunities. Equally you may chose to just mess around and have fun. That said, I worked very hard to get my BA from a decent uni and I haven't been able to use it in any of the jobs I've had since graduating. I could put this down to the recession but I can't help but feel that had I got a BSc in Physics or Maths, or an engineering degree, I'd have the right problem solving skills to land a decent graduate level post. However, not everyone goes to university to enhance their job prospects: some are coerced and indoctrinated at school by teachers and the government. Others see it as a great party atmosphere where they can form new relationships. I guess you need to think about your chances after graduation before selecting any old course to do.

Reply 11

Dekota-XS

2

You best enjoy it, it's costing you £3000+ per year for that ****

Reply 12

mazzie111

2

Original post by La Esmerelda

Er not really, otherwise what'd be the point of doing a degree?

University has been the best time of my life and I think that the social aspect is just as important as the academic aspect-why be somewhere for three years that you don't enjoy even if it may lead to a better job in the long run? I don't think uni is overrated at all-I think its a place where you can learn and grow and take up new interests; I've met lots of friends that I'll be in touch with for life, have hitch hiked to Morocco with my uni, am planning to do the great wall of china next year, have taken up lacrosse and archery, got a job with my SU shop, took gliding lessons (at a fraction of the cost-less than £4 a flight), took up ballet for a bit, began a beginners Italian class, started writing for my university magazine and realised that I wanted to be a journalist etc etc. Uni is the place to try new things and its imperative to take advantage of it whilst you're still relatively responsibility-free.

Maybe you guys just picked the wrong universities :s

swansea uni by any chance
im hitch hiking next year :biggrin:

Reply 13

La Esmerelda

17

Original post by mazzie111

swansea uni by any chance
im hitch hiking next year :biggrin:

No but I did meet a couple of swansea people out there! You heading to Morocco? I sooo wanna do it again (the guy I chose to do it with wasn't great....Make sure you choose the right partner lol!) but it'd be a lot of money! If I did though I'd go to Prague. Good luck though... Ahh I'm excited just thinking about the hitch!

Reply 14

Doughnuts!!

15

I'm going to uni next year and the reason that I'm so excited is because of the independence, freedom and the chance to make new friends. Also, for the first time in my life, I'll be able to go out partying and come back at 6am without anybody caring! :biggrin:

Reply 15

staring.space

OP

11

Original post by Doughnuts!!

I'm going to uni next year and the reason that I'm so excited is because of the independence, freedom and the chance to make new friends. Also, for the first time in my life, I'll be able to go out partying and come back at 6am without anybody caring! :biggrin:

Well, this is what I'm talking about - it's not all fun and games, there's still your end of term essays/assignments and you'll be up til' 6am doing those instead of partying if you don't keep on top of it ;D

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 16

Smeh

14

Original post by Doughnuts!!

I'm going to uni next year and the reason that I'm so excited is because of the independence, freedom and the chance to make new friends. Also, for the first time in my life, I'll be able to go out partying and come back at 6am without anybody caring! :biggrin:

This is all well and good until you run out of money :emo:

Reply 17

Doughnuts!!

15

Original post by staring.space

Well, this is what I'm talking about - it's not all fun and games, there's still your end of term essays/assignments and you'll be up til' 6am doing those instead of partying ;D

I'm a realistic person. I know that I won't be partying everyday since I'm at uni to study for my degree. However, it's nice to know that I'll have the opportunity to go out without worried parents ringing me asking me where I am. :biggrin:

Original post by Smeh

This is all well and good until you run out of money :emo:

Ah, so the "broke student" stereotype is true? :sad:

Reply 18

littlemoth

Original post by RELAXED

In my opinion, you grow up faster in 3 years of life in the "real world" - working and getting a place to live that you pay for.... career progressing.

I have a job, undertake career-progressing training and am planning on volunteering at places relevant to my probably career path. I live in a house that I pay for. I'm also in my final year of a 3-year degree. This feels like the real world to me!

Reply 19

Smeh

14

Original post by Doughnuts!!

I'm a realistic person. I know that I won't be partying everyday since I'm at uni to study for my degree. However, it's nice to know that I'll have the opportunity to go out without worried parents ringing me asking me where I am. :biggrin: