Group projects at university - love or hate

Hey everyone!
👋 I’m Aura, a Computer Science student at the University of Staffordshire. I’ve taken part in quite a few group projects during my degree and honestly it’s been a unique experience. There are definitely two sides to this topic that are worth exploring.
The Good
Group projects are a great way to prepare for the real world, especially in tech. In the industry, it’s rare that you’ll ever work completely alone. You’ll often need to collaborate, communicate and coordinate with others to get things done. If you can find a role that doesn't have an element of this in 2025... it may be on Mars!
In fields like Software Engineering, for example, no code exists in isolation, teamwork is essential. Group work helps you build valuable soft skills such as leadership, communication, conflict resolution and time management, all of which are crucial when working on complex projects.
The Bad
That said, not everyone enjoys group projects. Many students find them stressful because of differences in work ethic, communication styles or motivation levels. It can be frustrating when your grade depends on others, especially if some team members don’t pull their weight. This often leads to tension and burnout, with some students feeling the need to take on extra work to make sure the project meets the required standard. It’s a common issue across every University and one that requires careful management.
My Tips for Success
✅ Choose your teammates wisely: If possible, work with people you know are reliable. Friends might not always be the best option, as personal relationships can complicate things when disagreements arise.
✅ Hold regular check-ins: Schedule frequent team meetings to discuss progress, challenges and deadlines. Open communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
✅ Be honest and supportive: If you’re struggling or need something from a teammate, speak up early. Sometimes, a simple “Hey, I need this finished so I can do my part” can make all the difference.
✅ Keep the end goal in mind: Group projects are usually a core part of your degree and often a graduation requirement. Make sure you understand the module expectations and plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Personally, I prefer projects in the workplace but I have learnt to appreciate University group projects. I have used them as examples in my interviews and achieved various roles by talking about them! Just using collaborative tools like Trello and Jira can give you the edge. Have you truly experienced University if you haven't done a group project?
Would love to see others thoughts,
Aura (University of Staffordshire rep)