Not sure about uni
Hi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
Reply 1
Original post
by meggwilymHi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
People go to university for all sorts of reasons including just knowing it is the stepping stone to the career you’re aiming for. There’s so much to university life that you may find you actually really enjoy your time studying.
It might be worth going along to open days (if you haven’t already) and speaking to current students and staff about their opinions and experiences with university. They might be able to speak from a similar experience and help you make a decision on what’s right for you.
Also, commuting can be a great option if you are strictly looking to go to university to study as it means university can fit around your life at home. You will most likely not be in every day so you would have time to continue any activities/jobs you have at home that you might not want to give up.
I hope this helps!
Eloise
Third year psychology student
Reply 2
I don't think it's bad to treat university like that. What benefits you get out of uni will be vastly different from what someone else gets out of uni. I do think it's good to make the most of the opportunity you are paying for, but you are in no way obligated to take part in everything the university offers (nobody really has the time to do that anyway).
As long as you know you're interested in the degree you're doing, and you can formulate a long term plan for what happens after uni when you get that degree, then nobody can really say you're in the wrong place.
As long as you know you're interested in the degree you're doing, and you can formulate a long term plan for what happens after uni when you get that degree, then nobody can really say you're in the wrong place.
Reply 3
Original post
by meggwilymHi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
Hi there,
I agree with what others have said here - everyone goes to uni for different reasons and it is okay if some of your reasons may be different so reasons that other people have for going!
Some people also don't enjoy the uni lifestyle while others really do enjoy it, so it really depends on your preferences and it is okay to not enjoy things that others do at uni or things you think you are 'supposed' to like while at university. If uni is what you need to do for your job then this is just as good a reason as any to be there!
I would also agree with what others have said - it might still be worth trying to get involved in some things while at uni as you might enjoy them a lot more than you would think. I would still have a look and see if there are any societies that you would enjoy as they are really fun and you can also join some which aren't the typical society that you would think of and the socials are a lot more chilled and don't involve going out and drinking if this is something you are not really interested in.
You could also have a look and see if you can find some people on social media as this is also a good way of meeting people and you might end up meeting some similar minded people who yo can do things you enjoy with. This way you are enjoying the uni lifestyle still but just in your own way as well as getting your degree!
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂
Reply 4
Original post
by meggwilymHi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
Hey, honestly, it’s totally okay to treat uni as a means to an end especially if it’s the best or only clear route into the field you’re passionate about. Not everyone vibes with the “uni lifestyle” and that doesn’t make your experience less valid. If you still find the subject interesting and it’s your path into a career you care about, then doing it for that reason is more than enough. You’re not doing anything wrong just staying focused on your goals.
Reply 5
Original post
by meggwilymHi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
Hi there,
It's not bad to feel this way, and everyone sees something different in their university journey. If you don't like it - fair enough, as long as you are doing great academic work, learning and becoming a great professional in your specialisation - there is nothing to feel bad about. However, it might be that you haven't given your university a chance yet. I would advice to at least out of curiosity try to attend some different events, talks and activities. You might like it - at least this is what happened to me when I was starting my university life.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at De Montfort University
Reply 6
Original post
by meggwilymHi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
Hiya @meggwilym ,
Which part of uni life are you finding difficult to adjust to in particular? If you are currently enjoying your course and are managing well with your studies, then I would suggest for you to stick through the 3 years. Uni gives you the luxury of time to develop your skills and figure things out before you head into industry. You don't always need to be in a society or live in halls, or party. What's important is that you are learning and receiving the qualification and education you need to open more doors in the future, while hopefully making a few friends along the way 🤗
I hope this helps and wishing you the best of luck in the journey to come 🙂
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
Reply 7
7
Original post
by Kingston Zhi EnHiya @meggwilym ,
Which part of uni life are you finding difficult to adjust to in particular? If you are currently enjoying your course and are managing well with your studies, then I would suggest for you to stick through the 3 years. Uni gives you the luxury of time to develop your skills and figure things out before you head into industry. You don't always need to be in a society or live in halls, or party. What's important is that you are learning and receiving the qualification and education you need to open more doors in the future, while hopefully making a few friends along the way 🤗
I hope this helps and wishing you the best of luck in the journey to come 🙂
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
Which part of uni life are you finding difficult to adjust to in particular? If you are currently enjoying your course and are managing well with your studies, then I would suggest for you to stick through the 3 years. Uni gives you the luxury of time to develop your skills and figure things out before you head into industry. You don't always need to be in a society or live in halls, or party. What's important is that you are learning and receiving the qualification and education you need to open more doors in the future, while hopefully making a few friends along the way 🤗
I hope this helps and wishing you the best of luck in the journey to come 🙂
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
I really enjoy my course, just Liverpool feels big to me and I’m struggling with the anonymity of living in a city!
Reply 8
Original post
by meggwilymHi, just been wondering lately is it bad if I just treat university as a means to an end? I've always enjoyed learning and find my course really interesting. Being from North Wales, degree apprenticeships that aren't in HR or Finance are really rare. My field is Geography, environment and agriculture (current degree is Geography). But basically I don't think the uni lifestyle is for me but if I drop out I'm unlikely to get to work in my dream field and so I'm kind of doing my degree for just that.
University, whether it is Open University, or any “brick” university, is always worth doing. As a student, you have ample of opportunities to engage with other students, learn significant in the respective areas you wish to study and develop yourself into a better person.
No matter what specialism you want to go for, doing something that you enjoy is always going to be important to do but in terms of apprenticeships, can be challenging. With the level 7 apprenticeship funding being removed by government, this is not ideal as it limits who should have these opportunities. However, don’t give up with the studies you are doing now. You are nearly there and can do it. Speak to your student support team, and see if they can provide some guidance. Also speak to your tutors/lecturers. They are there to support you.
Reply 9
Hi @meggwilym
I don’t think it’s bad at all to see university as a means to an end. I felt quite similar when I started — I’ve always enjoyed learning but was less interested in the university lifestyle, things like societies, nights out, or the social side that some people really thrive on.
I’m also from a small town, so when I moved away I tried to make the most of opportunities I didn’t have easy access to back home — even simple things like going bowling! I got involved in Liverpool based community groups like Girls on the Go, Bond and Bloom, and Cosy Kreations, which helped me meet people outside of university. Volunteering and part-time work were also great ways to feel more connected and build experience at the same time.
I had my own doubts at one point but decided to continue with my degree, and over time I found parts of it that I genuinely enjoyed. It also opened up postgraduate and study abroad opportunities that I hadn’t expected, which made me glad I stuck with it.
If you ever feel unsure, it can really help to talk things through with your tutor or academic advisor. They can share examples of where other graduates have gone and might even connect you with them. Looking ahead at your upcoming modules can also help — sometimes new topics reignite your interest or give you a clearer sense of direction.
If you’re still not feeling it, it doesn’t hurt to research alternatives like apprenticeships or entry-level roles, just to see what’s out there.
But since you mentioned that you enjoy the subject itself, that’s a really positive sign. Even if the lifestyle side doesn’t feel right, your genuine interest in the course content will still serve you well in geography and environmental work later on.
Hope that helps 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
I don’t think it’s bad at all to see university as a means to an end. I felt quite similar when I started — I’ve always enjoyed learning but was less interested in the university lifestyle, things like societies, nights out, or the social side that some people really thrive on.
I’m also from a small town, so when I moved away I tried to make the most of opportunities I didn’t have easy access to back home — even simple things like going bowling! I got involved in Liverpool based community groups like Girls on the Go, Bond and Bloom, and Cosy Kreations, which helped me meet people outside of university. Volunteering and part-time work were also great ways to feel more connected and build experience at the same time.
I had my own doubts at one point but decided to continue with my degree, and over time I found parts of it that I genuinely enjoyed. It also opened up postgraduate and study abroad opportunities that I hadn’t expected, which made me glad I stuck with it.
If you ever feel unsure, it can really help to talk things through with your tutor or academic advisor. They can share examples of where other graduates have gone and might even connect you with them. Looking ahead at your upcoming modules can also help — sometimes new topics reignite your interest or give you a clearer sense of direction.
If you’re still not feeling it, it doesn’t hurt to research alternatives like apprenticeships or entry-level roles, just to see what’s out there.
But since you mentioned that you enjoy the subject itself, that’s a really positive sign. Even if the lifestyle side doesn’t feel right, your genuine interest in the course content will still serve you well in geography and environmental work later on.
Hope that helps 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
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