child ’ s decision to go to university can raise lots of
A questions for parents or carers . How do they apply ? How much will it cost ? What financial help is available ? Where will they live ? This section aims to answer these questions and more , enabling you to help your child prepare for their university adventure .
THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO UNIVERSITY
It opens up a wide range of career options .
• A university degree is essential for some professions , for example if your child wants to become a doctor , physiotherapist or architect .
• Many other jobs will only recruit people with a degree , although they may not require a particular subject .
Your child is likely to earn more .
• Graduates earn on average more over their lifetime than people without a degree .
It will help them to become career-ready .
• Universities offer careers advice and many provide high-quality work experience opportunities .
• Your child may have the opportunity to study overseas , which can be appealing to recruiters .
• University life will help your child to become more independent and develop personal and transferable skills such as teamwork , managing their time , meeting deadlines and critical thinking – all crucial for the workplace .
• They will also meet people from different places and backgrounds , building a network of contacts that will be valuable during their career .
WHY GO ?
University is a big commitment , in terms of both time and money , but by getting a degree your child will be making a big investment in their future . It will increase their chances of getting a good job and improve their earning potential . In addition , for many young people it is also their first taste of independence , and an exciting opportunity to try new activities and meet new friends .
They will have a great time !
• University can be a life-changing experience ; they ’ ll develop as people , grow in confidence and have the opportunity to make new friends and try new things .
• In 2016 , working age graduates earned on average £ 9,500 more than non-graduates .
• Postgraduates earned on average £ 6,000 more than graduates . .
Office for National Statistics Graduate Labour Market Statistics , April 2017
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