Travelling or uni?

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.

Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.

I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.

Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Reply 1

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Hi there Snake,

Thanks for sharing your situation and its good to hear you're thinking carefully about your options.

Going to uni is absolutely not the only option and as you said, its not right for everyone. However please be aware that the student debt is not like any other debt - you will only pay it off if you reach a certain salary threshold and only then in tiny increments you're likely not to notice, and after a certain number of years it is written off.

Going freelance is a risky business, and being self-employed means that you don't have the protections a standard job would offer such as annual leave entitlement, a pension, statutory sick pay etc. Have you considered looking into degree apprenticeships in something like software development where you could use your programming skills whilst earning money? Often they come with a job or enhanced chance of getting a job with the company afterwards.

On travelling, this is absolutely something you can do before starting uni/apprenticeship/work if you have the money! Usually when people go travelling they do it after sixth form - is this something you might want to do? It can be a lovely way to get some world experience, learn new things and in general have a break before you start on your next steps, and having that headspace may do you the world of good. This is entirely up to you 🙂

I hope some of this helps, best of luck with your next steps!

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 2

PG Study Chester

Official Rep

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Hello,

I just read your post and it sounds as though you are being really sensible and weighing up all the options open to you and considering what it is that you want to do and how to go about doing it in terms of working and saving money.

Firstly, I'm not really able to comment on freelance work, I've only dabbled in a little bit of freelance writing and certainly not considered it, yet, as a career move as I'm still studying. However, it sounds as though you have really done your research about it so that is good.

I understand your point about going to university and the stress of accruing lots of debts - if this is the main reason for your reluctance to go, I would suggest that you look into whether any bursaries/ funding/ grants etc are available to you - you could reach out to the Student Finance advisors here, on the student room - as they will have loads of advice about assistance that could be available to you.

You said that you want to go travelling - as the previous reply said, lots of people spend their gap years between sixth form and university (or work or other form of higher education) travelling. There are lots of volunteering opportunities for students who want to travel, and if you do an internet search you will find companies who run these sorts of packages. Alternatively you could also travel and do your own thing - it's a really personal thing so entirely up to you, whatever you decide on. Even if you decide to travel for a year, if you changed your mind at the end of seeing the world and having amazing experiences, and wanted to go to university there is no reason why you can't - there is no bar to when you go - I have classes with people of all ages, from students straight from sixth form to mature students who have retired from careers and want to do something else.

If you felt that a degree at university was not going to be useful to you, have you considered an apprenticeship? There are lots of alternatives to a traditional degree and so this might be worth researching further - there will be forums on the Student Room that may more applicable for these types of courses that can give you information about other options.

Have you been to any university open days? It might be useful to attend a few, just to get a bit of an idea of what university life is like and the value of a degree. During the Open days at Chester University, the careers and employability team are available to talk to prospective students and they are also able to offer you alternative suggestions to degrees.

I hope this gives you a bit of help, but if you have any more queries, don't hesitate to reach out again,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 3

ageshallnot

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

You should be able to travel for longer than 9 weeks on a budget of £7-8k if you choose your destinations wisely.

Reply 4

McGinger

Travel. Its never a waste of time.

Reply 5

Thisismyunitsr

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

If you genuinely think you will not enjoy university then don’t go. Travel instead.

Reply 6

UCLan_Stella

Official Rep

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Hello,

Deciding whether to go to university is a big step, so it's completely normal to feel unsure. You're definitely not alone, and it's great to hear that you're considering all options 😊

It's understandable to be concerned about student debt - many students share this worry. While it's important to think about, it's worth noting that student loans work differently from typical debt. Repayments are made in small monthly instalments, and only once you're earning above a certain income threshold, so it's more manageable than it might seem.

It sounds like travelling is something you're really passionate about, and I'd encourage you to explore that. A great time to travel is during the summer between finishing A-levels and starting university - it gives you chance to relax, gain new experiences, and pick up valuable life skills. If that's not currently an option, a gap year could be a great alternative. It gives you time to work, save money, travel, and reflect on what you really want from your future - so you might end up getting the best of both worlds.

Have you considered attending a university open day? Even if you don't have a specific university in mind, they can be a great way to get a general feel for student life and learn more about the long-term value of getting a degree.

You might also want to consider degree apprenticeships. They are a great way to study towards a qualification while gaining work experience and earning a salary. It's a great route if you're looking for a more practical and financially supportive alternative to traditional university.

Whatever option you take won't be a mistake - it's about choosing what feels right for you currently 😊

I hope this has helped, best of luck with your future!
^ Stella

Reply 7

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Hello there!

If the idea of university is causing you more stress than excitement, and you already have a passion (like programming, which is highly in-demand and very freelance-friendly), then no, it’s not a big mistake to take a different path.

Here are some tips:

•

Gap Year with Purpose: Spend a year working, saving, and maybe doing a few online coding certifications. These cost less than uni but still look great on a CV and sharpen your skills.

•

Build a Portfolio: Do small freelance projects or even build your own website or apps.

•

Travel Smart: Travel can be amazing and productive. You could explore digital nomad programs or budget stays while freelancing from abroad once you're confident.

•

Keep Uni as an Option: If later you decide uni is the right move, you can always apply as a mature student, potentially with more clarity and financial prep.

You are clearly driven and thinking long-term. As long as you stay intentional, keep learning, and don’t lose momentum, you are not making a mistake.
You are just choosing a path that fits you!

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 8

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Hey there 👋
First of all, I just want to say I completely understand where you're coming from. As someone who is now in my third year at university, I’ve definitely had those same thoughts at different points. It’s so valid to feel unsure, especially when there’s so much pressure to follow one set path.
I resonate with your passion for travelling because I actually love travelling too, and I’ve only recently started doing more of it myself. The life experiences, the different cultures, the personal growth , you can’t really compare it to anything else. So trust me when I say, I support your desire to see the world and explore. I don’t think there’s a better way to learn about yourself and what you want from life than stepping out of your comfort zone.
That being said, I also think it’s important to reflect on the reality of the world we live in. Life costs money. Travelling costs money. And often, the better your financial situation, the more freedom you’ll have to travel the way you want to. That’s where education can come into play , a degree (especially one you’re genuinely passionate about, like programming) can open doors to higher earning potential, more flexibility, and even international opportunities.
And here's the thing, choosing to go to university doesn’t mean you’re choosing not to travel. The two are not mutually exclusive. My experience at De Montfort University has been a great example of that. I’ve had opportunities to travel both within the UK and abroad , some of which were even funded by the university! It’s honestly been one of the most amazing parts of my time here. So if you’re worried uni would limit you from exploring the world, I’d say think of it as something that could support your travel goals rather than block them.
Also, from a more personal growth perspective, have you heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? At the very top is self-actualisation. Which is becoming the best version of yourself. Education, when it’s something you genuinely care about, can be an amazing way to reach that. If you study something you're passionate about like freelance programming or even starting your own tech business, uni can give you the structure, mentorship, and resources to turn that passion into something powerful.
So, is travelling first and skipping uni a mistake? Not necessarily. It really depends on your goals and how you plan to grow both personally and professionally. But from my experience, university has been a valuable investment. It’s not perfect, and yes the debt can be scary.
Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s something that aligns with your goals . You're already thinking ahead, and that’s such a strong start. Whether it’s on the road or in a classroom , or a mix of both , I hope it all works out for you.
Cece
Energy Engineering Student

Reply 9

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Hi there,

So I didn't go to uni straight away. I worked for a while after A-Levels, earned money and honestly had a great time socialising and having fun after all the stress of education - I also built up plenty of skills.

I saved money, studied an online TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course and then went to Thailand for a few months to teach English as well as travel the country. I did this through a travel agency aimed at 18-30 year olds with a range of amazing experiences at more affordable prices - I highly recommend having a good search on Google at these, read some reviews and see what's out there. If you have any further questions on this please ask away, I'm more than happy to help!

Luckily for me, the place I previously worked at was then happy to have me back and I continued working and saving money after this - to eventually go to Australia for a year on a working holiday visa, as well as a couple of backpacking trips round Europe sprinkled in around this. I well and truly had the travel bug ✈️

These experiences for me were invaluable for a whole host of reasons - I went to festivals, skydived, saw amazing things and expanded my knowledge and understanding of the world around me. I developed myself as a person and learned a huge amount about myself and other people. This also served a purpose in feeding my need for a bit of freedom and honestly, I just really wanted to do it! Lots of people choose this time to save money, travel and explore a bit more and if you're in a position to do so then this is a great time to do it 😊

However - everyone is different. It sounds like you have some great prospects and a good idea of what you want to do, which university may or may not be right for. When I was 17, university was definitely not the right thing for me. Now, it is one of the best choices I've ever made and I truly love it. It could be a good idea to visit some open days (our next one is on 14th June, see here), to explore what it would feel like to go to uni right now, chat to students and staff and get some more information on the finance side of things. I'll note too - there are often lots of opportunities to study abroad or travel as a student so this could be something to look out for! I have plenty of friends who have done years abroad, and I personally will be doing a placement abroad for a month this June 🌍️

Ultimately there is no rush, and as long as you are making decisions that feel right for you then I don't believe they will be a mistake.

Hopefully this helps and as mentioned, if you have any further questions then ask away 😊

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

(edited 4 weeks ago)

Reply 10

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by Bigsnake

i do not like the way the education system is laid out and i do not want to be 38,000 in debt to go to uni, i also think i would really not enjoy spending 4 years of my life struggling to survive on low pay in England whilst going to uni. Most of my stress comes from the thought of going to university. it would take me 1.5 years to save up around £7000 to £8000 where I could stay for a week in 9 different countries.
Traveling has always been something I've been wanting to do, I'm 17 right now and ill be able to work full time or go to uni next year in September.
I'm doing programming and its something i would love to do freelance or possibly own a business rather than working for a big corporation until i die.
Opinions on what I could do? would this be a big mistake?

Hi there,

I know you have had lots of great replies to this but it is always helpful to hear lots of opinions so I thought I could give mine too!

Firstly, it is a good idea to weigh up all options and see what is the best for you. There's no need to rush into a decision like this so it is good to think it through properly now!

I think the main thing to mention is that you don't have to go to Uni - it isn't for everyone and if you don't go there are still lots of options for you!

As others have said, degree apprenticeships are a good idea if you liked the idea of getting a degree but you also wanted to work and not necessarily go to uni full time. There will probably be some good programming ones so it might be a good idea to look into this and see if there are any!

I understand why you would want to work freelance or work for yourself! I don't know too much about this, but if you go to sixth form or college at the moment, see if they have a careers advisor as they are quite good people to talk to about things like this as they see so many people like you and help lots of people make decisions on what they want to do after school!

I also think that it may be a good idea to go to some Uni open days anyway, it will show you whether you do or don't want to go and might just help make your mind up either way.

I do think if you like travelling you should do it - you can always go to Uni or get a job after this so if it something you want to just, just do it as you will get the time back to go to Uni but you may not get the chance again!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.