Why Go To University?

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WHY GO TO UNIVERSITY?

What is Higher Education?

Higher Education (HE) is level 4+ study. You can study HE at universities as well as at some colleges. There are a variety of routes that will allow you to progress into HE, e.g. A Levels or BTECs.

There are over 30,000 courses you can study at universities across the UK. From degrees you currently are studying, to new subjects you haven’t learnt before!

Take a look at the UCAS website to see all the courses available at ucas.com/explore

What is it like to study at university?

Studying Higher Education is very different from school and college:

„ The learning is much more independent. You choose to study in a way that works for you.

„ Directed learning time is varied; you may have lectures (large groups), seminars (small groups) or tutorials (one-to-one tuition with your lecturer).

„ You choose a course that interests and inspires you.

„ You learn from academics who are just as enthusiastic about your subject as you are.

„ There are opportunities to carry out your own research project, spend time abroad or undertake a work placement.

How much does it cost to go to university?

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Tuition fees are £9,250 per year, but you will not pay anything upfront as this amount can be loaned to you by the government.

„ Loan repayments start once you are earning £27,295 a year.

„ What you pay back goes up as your earnings rise. On a salary of £28,000 you pay £11 a month (9% of what you earn above the threshold. This differs for Postgraduate loans).

„ If you stop working, then you will stop paying. If you never earn £27,295 then you will not pay anything back.

„ Additional support is also available for your living cost at university.

„ Any outstanding loan 30 years after graduation is written off.

These figures are for 2022/23 entry.

To find out more visit gov.uk/studentfinance

compared to non-graduates in their lifetime.

What support is available?

You don’t need to know what you’d like to do for a job afterwards, we’re here to help you.

A degree programme equips you with a range of skills that relate to a variety of careers. Many employers look for people with a degree in any subject.

Transferable skills are communication, organisation and time management; these are developed on all of the courses at the University of Suffolk.

Careers and Employability Service

This service helps students to make the most of their time here, including developing networking skills, advise with CV writing and applying for jobs, and support in getting relevant work experience.

Other support available through the Student Services department include:

Pre-arrival tips

Health and wellbeing

Disability and learning difficulty support

Study skills support counselling services

Student finance advice

Should I stay at home or live away?

Whether you move away from home or study locally, university will develop your independence. There are lots of benefits of both options. Staying at home means it should cost less than renting, and you can keep your local part-time job should you have one. Moving away means you can explore a new place and experience the independence of living on your own with a bunch of new flatmates.

Benefits of staying at home

„ Lower cost than moving away.

„ Easy to stay in touch with family and friends.

„ Still have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

„ Familiar surroundings, you already know the area.

If you do choose to live away from home, there is plenty of excellent accommodation options available at the University of Suffolk.

Find out more at uos.ac.uk/accommodation or give us a call on 01473 338833

What can I get involved in outside of studying?

There are lots of opportunities to meet people with similar interests.

Here are just some of the societies currently on offer at the University of Suffolk:

„ Gaming Society „ Nursing Society „ Drama and Theatre Society „ Men’s and Women’s Football Clubs „ Pole Fitness „ Women’s Netball Club „ LGBTQ+ Society „ Wildlife Society „ Christian Union Society

These are for all University of Suffolk students, whether they stay on campus or live at home.

Find out more at uosunion.org

The University of Suffolk is also only a 10 minute walk from the town centre, where there are gyms, cinemas, leisure centres, restaurants and bars!

Visit us at an Open Day

If you want to find out more about courses, finance, careers and what the University of Suffolk can offer you then come along to one of our Open Days.

Find out more at uos.ac.uk/openday