If you are at school, you should consider the benefits of going to university and what you need to do to achieve that goal.

Why study at university?
In today’s world of high technology, employers increasingly need skilled and educated workers. By studying for a degree, you will have opportunities to choose from a broad range of exciting careers. Graduates, on average, earn significantly more than people who have not studied a Higher Education course.. As well as improved career prospects, student life is a chance to make new friends and take part in a wide range of social and sporting activities.

Who is Higher Education for?
Going to university was once seen as only for people from better-off families. This is no longer the case. More students are going into Higher Education than ever before, including people of all ages, and from all backgrounds and walks of life. By 2010 it is anticipated that half of all UK adults under 30 will have had some Higher Education experience. This includes a lot of students from families in which no one before has been to university. All young people are being encouraged to fulfil their potential and ‘aim higher’.

What to study?
With more and more courses on offer, it can seem like there is almost too much to choose from! Having a clear idea of which qualifications are needed for different degrees and careers will help you make the right decisions. For example, if you are interested in a scientific career, you will need to study sciences at GCSE and A-level in order to apply for a science degree course.

How much will it cost?
Many people are worried about the costs of going into Higher Education, and the risk of ending up in debt. Fortunately, there is a wide range of financial support available, to make it possible for anyone, whatever their financial situation, to be able to go into Higher Education.

Moving away or staying at home?
Choosing the right place to study is important. In the past most students moved away to study, but with more courses on offer than ever before, you may find what you are looking for closer to home. This means that there is now more choice for you, either to move away or stay with the family. Staying at home can be a cheaper and more convenient option, and suits a lot of people. On the other hand, some courses will only be available further away, and many students enjoy the opportunity for independence that moving away can bring.

Still worried?
Deciding whether to go on to Higher Education is a big decision. However, there has never been a better time to Aimhigher and there is excellent support available to help weigh up all the options and make the right choices.

Middlesbrough College has a dedicated team who can advise and guide you on the options available. To contact one of our Aimhigher team click here.

The Aimhigher team can offer you the opprtunity to take part in special events and actvities where you can exoerience university life and acquire information to help you make an informed decision.

The Aimhigher student portal website is designed to make this process easier, and guide you though all the steps involved in entering higher education. You can access this by logging onto www.aimhigher.ac.uk