Should I Go to University? Key Benefits and Considerations

Deciding whether to go to university or not can be a challenge, but considering the pros and cons listed in this article can help you work out if committing to three or four years of study is right for you.

Warwick Business School has a wide range of undergraduate courses developed to provide the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in today’s graduate job market. Whether you're interested in management, finance, marketing, or economics, or you’d prefer a broader, cross-disciplinary approach through Warwick's Gateway to Business, our programmes will provide you with a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical, real-world skills to set you apart.

Why go to university?

The chance to pursue your life goals and kickstart your career are key benefits of going to university. Along the way, you’ll develop valuable skills of communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, all of which are essential when you enter the workforce. 

What are the benefits of going to university?

Higher lifetime earnings on average

You might be wondering ‘should I go to university as a way of increasing my salary prospects’? Individuals who gain a degree enhance their earning potential compared with non-graduates. Graduates have advanced skills in a particular field and often work in specialist professions which are better paid. Warwick Business School is one of the UK’s top ten universities when it comes to the highest graduate earnings, and it also offers excellent career outcomes.

Access to internships and career services

Universities provide paid placements and internships through career support services and partnerships with businesses. These enable students to make important industry connections and bridge any skills gaps. Warwick Business School integrates work experience, dedicated placement years and sandwich courses with its undergraduate courses. These give students the practical experiences and real-world skills they need to become competitive candidates once they graduate. Students can also attend events such as conventions and careers fairs, to enhance their prospects.

BSc Management student James Kariuki secured two internships during his studies at WBS: first at Invesco Perpetual, and then at KPMG, he explains:

 “I attribute a large amount of my success in securing these internships to the Warwick Careers Service and the WBS CareerPlus team. The wealth of resources available on the WBS CareerPlus website is invaluable. The workshops that they hosted changed how I applied for internships almost overnight. In fact, I first heard about Invesco Perpetual through the Career Plus web portal that all undergraduates have access to at the business school.”

Opportunities for academic research or creative projects

Moving from school to an undergraduate course involves significant personal and academic change. The work is more intense, but one of the benefits of going to university is being encouraged to delve much deeper into the subjects you’re passionate about, to be creative, think independently and carry out your own research. Undergraduate courses are designed to support students as they tackle individual projects and dissertations. These tasks nurture independent learning and research but also give students more confidence in and knowledge of their subject. 

A globally recognised qualification that can open doors

Employability can be a deciding factor for many people still unsure and wondering, why go to university? Undergraduate degrees provide students with both soft skills and professional expertise, a combination that’s attractive to recruiters and businesses around the world. For some employers, this qualification is a key requirement, as it shows a candidate offers both expertise in their field and useful personal competencies. The same soft skills are equally useful for students who plan to continue onto postgraduate study. 

Exposure to diverse ideas and cultures

One of the benefits of going to university is being taught by globally recognised industry leaders. You’ll be exposed to differing and diverse perspectives and learn to consider complex issues from various angles. Through learning alongside a cohort group from various backgrounds, you’ll develop a more insightful, comprehensive worldview, and you can expand your horizons further by studying abroad for one semester or more. At the University of Warwick, there are over 9500 students who between them represent 147 countries.  

Final-year student Shubh reflects on how his time at WBS has helped him develop a global perspective through group projects during his course.

“During my three years at WBS, I have realised the power of collaboration with individuals from around the world. My cohort taught me so much about their cultures and experiences, which I could not have learned through education by itself. The group projects throughout my course have given me opportunities to work alongside people from all around the world and allowed me to develop a different perspective to look at situations.”

What to consider before applying to university

Consider how you will fund your studies

Full-time graduate tuition fees are around £9500 per year, while living and accommodation costs can add an extra £200 per week or more. If financial worries make you question ‘why go to university’, bear in mind that there are a range of government student loans, academic scholarships, and bursaries to apply for. Learning how to budget as a student can make your money go further, so take a look at our guide for useful tips. 

The investment of time and your priorities

Most undergraduate degrees are delivered over at least three years, so your entry into the workforce will be later than that of non-graduates. It may not sound ideal if you want to start work at a younger age, but you can combine study years with placements, internments and industry-related projects that allow you to gain work experience. Furthermore, you can opt to work part-time while studying which makes it easier to manage financially. 

Research job outcomes from your chosen degree

Graduates gain valuable skills that can give them the edge when it comes to finding a post. However, in a competitive market even a degree won’t guarantee employment, and some courses offer more job security than others. To make the most of your investment, do your research and carry out thorough career planning. As the 6th most targeted by the most top employers, Warwick Business School is a key industry choice with a proven track record. 

Academic qualifications vs vocational training

In certain industries, academic achievements are less important than vocational training or work experience. Moreover, in some sectors candidates for entry-level positions don’t need a degree, as employers have a preference for practical, hands-on skills. That’s why the courses at Warwick Business School are closely integrated with industry and support student projects that encompass real-world situations. In combining practical work experience with academic learning, WBS offers a perfect balance. 

How do I know if I should go to university?

Going to university represents a major commitment in terms of time, effort and expense. If you’re struggling with the big question: ‘Why go to university?’, try reflecting on the following points before making a decision. 

What are your long-term career goals?

Spend time researching exactly what qualifications you’ll need for your chosen career. Ask yourself; is a degree essential, should I go to university, or would it be more useful to gain relevant skills through work experience?  Visit the career service at your school or college to understand more about your preferred industry’s expectations. 

Is a degree required for your chosen path?

Some occupations, including those in medicine, law and architecture, cannot be practised without the relevant qualifications. On the other hand, for many trades, marketing roles and in entrepreneurship, degrees are less important. If you’re unsure and want a middle road, industry placements at university can give you work experience in your chosen field and a qualification.

Are you academically and emotionally ready?

At university you’ll be expected to study effectively, meet deadlines and navigate an entirely new learning environment. Consider whether you feel ready to commit to the demands of such study and motivated enough to meet them, whilst also living independently, perhaps some distance away from your home area. 

Can you afford it, or access funding?

Between the tuition fees and day to day living costs, degrees represent a significant financial commitment. To fund your course, you can investigate grants, student loans and scholarships. If you’re wondering, ‘should I go to university’?, it’s helpful to find out in advance which sources of financial support you could be eligible for.

Choosing the right university and course for you

The reputation and offerings of specific universities

The standard of education on offer varies between universities, so do some research to find those with the best reputations. Before going to university look at course rankings, available facilities and graduate employment rates. Warwick Business School stands out as a dynamic, inclusive university which seeks to create change makers and offers robust career guidance for its students.

Reflecting on his university choice, BSc Accounting & Finance student Hassan explains why he chose WBS: 

“Having heard stories about the competitive environment at other Russell Group universities, I was looking to find a university that had the same pursuit of excellence but without the continuous competition and the University of Warwick seemed like the perfect fit. I spoke to the careers team at my school to get their advice, as well as some of my alumni friends, all of whom praised Warwick tremendously. I did my own research too and found that WBS was one of the top business schools in the UK with one of the highest employment rates, and with this, my decision was confirmed.”

Location and lifestyle factors

A busy social life is one of the benefits of going to university for many students, but living expenses vary greatly depending on where you are located. Some people prefer the convenience of a big town, but rural campuses can be more affordable. As it’s based in Coventry with great transport links and plenty to do on campus, students at WBS enjoy the best of all worlds. 

Support services for students

Many people need extra support from time to time and one of the benefits of going to university is access to personal and practical help from student services. Mental health counselling is provided if you need it and universities offer equal access to accommodation if you have a disability. Finally, your faculty will offer robust academic support, both online and in person.

Flexibility of your course

You may be thinking why go to university if I’m not sure of an exact route of study. However, universities like Warwick Business School give students the choice of elective modules to personalise their learning and reflect their changing interests. You can also opt for one of many Joint honours degrees.

Discover undergraduate courses at WBS

Enrolling for an undergraduate degree at university is an exciting step toward gaining the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in your chosen field. Our undergraduate courses are designed to challenge and inspire, equipping you with the theoretical foundations and practical expertise you need to stand out in a competitive world.

Not sure which route to choose? Book a 1-2-1 consultation with a member of our Recruitment Team to chat about your academic goals and find the perfect fit.