University Rant

20140724-104103-38463723.jpgI know, I rant a lot. Sorry about that. But after Vicki’s graduation, I am reminded about how much I hated Uni. I respect everyone who has studied. I have been there. So I know what it’s like. And no dis-respect to all of the hard work and effort that goes into getting a degree. Not least my little sister who graduated with a great result today. But I think there should be more (less debt-ey) options for young people. It’s just got to happen. Universities – I’m looking at you. You pompus, stuck up debt factories.

Firstly, let me just say, I completely recognise the importance of university when studying to be a medical doctor or nurse or a specific profession that requires a degree. That’s fair enough. I’m referring to the other subjects. The digital media (that was mine) and the likes. Obviously, as always, this is just my humble opinion.

Since secondary school, I had it drilled into me that I needed to go to university. By my school (teachers and students alike), my social life and even my part-time job encouraged me to go to uni. I remember a sit-down one-on-one meeting with the careers adviser just before I went into college. It was a good idea to have someone go through the options with me. But instead of actually helping me find a solution appropriate to my personality and circumstances, their reply to my “I’m not really sure what I want to do” was simply this: “You should go to uni!”

They didn’t help me find my passions, they didn’t advise me of employment options and apprenticeships weren’t even on their radar. Just “Think of something you like, study that in college – then apply to uni.” And just like that, I was on the slipperly slope to the biggest debt in the world with nothing meaninful to show for it.

Am I resentful? Maybe. I’m working on it. But in all seriousness, I think that the majority of degrees offered are not needed – and if they are – they certainly aren’t worth the ridiculous cost.

OK let’s start with a this one, everything that could be gained from university (bar the ‘experience’) can now be obtained from the Internet. Free of charge and ready when you want it. The main USP (Unique Selling Point) of university is the model of learning and the potential for lesson or two in self-discipline. But, as far as I can see, that is not worth the thousands-upon-thousands that a student is EXPECTED to take out a loan for.

I’m sorry, but that young person is better off asking a senior friend to mentor them in time management and get an apprenticeship in the area they want to learn.

Universities, listen: if you are going to grade us in random decimal points (that they expect everyone to just automatically understand), start giving us that grading from earlier in our education. Stop switching. Stop making such a fuss. Stop pretending you know everything and STOP CHARGING THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY AN ARM AND A LEG TO GET TAUGHT STUFF.

Phew. Feels good to get that off my chest! Sorry to anyone who I’ve offended – but this is my opinion and I think I’m entitled to it as a university graduate.