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"University, rah rah rah"

So I'll be starting university next september and almost certainly moving away from home to go elsewhere and venture out into the big wide world, though this isn't going to be one of those coming of age speeches that you'll find in most American teen movies.

I'm still unsure about university courses in general, whether it's my sixth form that havent told us enough or just a big country-wide mystery I do not yet know, but I'm hoping some of you nice people can answer my questions.

First of all, if I major in one subject but take another one (say Journalism with criminology), what would my lessons be like? Would I do more journalism lessons than criminology lessons, or would they be 50/50 and just my mark that is split 75/25 ?

This leads me onto my next point, is it easier to take just one single subject, ie just plain Journalism. Would this mean I had less lessons overall, or would the fact I'm not taking more lessons mean I had to take more classes?

When looking at courses there seem to be the same courses ar different universities, only some courses require different ucas points to get in. Are the higher point courses more lucrative, or will they be much the same?

Moving away from university lectures now, I want to know about student accomodation. Is it better to get on-campus accomodation for the first year and move in with friends after this? Also, it's not been mentioned whether we pay our own electricity bills etc if we stay on campus, or if its covered in the rent or whatever it is we pay.

Is the first year as easy as most people make out it is? In the case that it is easy, would you advise me to get a job during the first year to make up some money towards my debt and take advantage of my free time?

I'm still quite confused about exactly what I want to do in life, but I think journalism could be fun. If I never end up using my degree I still feel I should go to uni just for the experience.

So help me out and post reassuring comments, or add your own angst-filled panick statements - whatever's good for you.

Is it restricted because you have to travel, or because you dont know as many people seen as you dont live with them?

Social life is obviously restricted but I still know people from Uni and often go into Glasgow for nights out etc

Most people in my town stay at home because they all study at glasgow and can't get in halls because my town is too near. So I still have lots of my old friends and also new ones in my town that I can hang out with at weekends.

I just can't afford it and wouldn't find a job in town. Maybe in my last year I'll try and share a flat or something.

Thanx for the advice. I'm more bothered about getting into uni tbh. I might not get the grades I need.

It will be harder than you think but by all means give it a go! you need to make a fair bit of effort to get to know a load of people on your course and joining clubs/sports teams might help if you want to get the most out of it. Good luck!


ps. if you find its not working out at home you can always try and blag your way into halls a bit later, there are always loads of drop outs and although there is allegedly a system, the person who pesters the accomodation office the most ussually does best!

Well if they can do it im sure I can do it too. And I wouldnt be governed by the train either. I recon I can make it work. Well its more of a hope really.

I do know a couple of people at home who are having a very good time, but they are mainly the ones who spend nearly all their time hanging round other students places. I find that people who live at home tend to know far less people and tend to partake far less in general univerity life. Especially if they have to get the train home as their lives seem to be governed by the train timetable.

Seriously it is a pretty big factor, If money isn't a genuine problem/its not too late i would go in halls, make sure you do speak to other people who live at home and who live in halls so you can make a balanced judgement!

Helios wrote:
> Yup, as long as you get in first in any degree, employers will love
> you. media studies, psychology... yup, first in those and your career
> is set for life.


Exactly thats what i did in business and finance. But still in dead end job :o(

Time for a change me thinks

I'm starting in September, if I get the grades. I'm staying at home tho because its cheaper and easier. Everyone seems to be saying that you have a better social life in the Halls tho. Is it really alot better.

Sheepy, You said you stay at home, how does it effect your social life?

Woo Social Sciences baby.

*cries*

Also, a rough guide to how much in terms of NEW topics you really learn in a course, split up into areas:

Medicine > Physical Sciences >>>>>>>>> Social Sciences > Media stuff