Why university is important: 5 ways it will change your life

Year 12 done and dusted? Awesome. But what next? How about the experience of a lifetime getting a university degree?

That’s what going to university is all about. It’s about learning the skills and knowledge you need to get ahead of the game in your career. And it’s about a whole lot more as well.

So, first things first, job prospects. Answering the question ‘why go to university’, getting a fulfilling career is a pretty strong answer. At uni you’ll develop the skills employers are looking for. And the chances are that you’ll earn more money over your working life if you have a degree. (And we’ll put this out there: Charles Sturt has the highest graduate employment rate in Australia*. Just saying.)

That’s some game-changing stuff right there, but it’s not the whole story.

Uni is also about finding your feet. It’s about the freedom to try new things. Uni is about getting you ready to make your mark on the world.

Here are five reasons why uni might just (scratch that: will) change your life.

1. The power to do what you love

University is where you get to dive deep into a subject that fires your imagination. That makes you excited to get up every day and learn more. Whether it’s DNA analysis, social policy, film-making, programming games, surgery on zoo animals… or anything else, university is where you can really get stuck in and discover your passion in depth.

It’s where you learn from teachers who are at the cutting edge of their field. And it’s where you get to try out your knowledge – to get hands-on – in some of the best facilities in the country.

2. You’ll make friends for life

Some things are a cliché because they’re true. One of them is that you will make friends for life at university.

And why wouldn’t you? You’re studying alongside people who share your passion for learning and discovering new things in your university degree. You’ll be in the same boat, navigating a whole new world. Together.

Shared passion, shared experiences and an understanding of what you are going through (hey, we all need someone to vent to if we didn’t feel an exam went 100 per cent right) – that’s a pretty good recipe for making friends. Plus, at Charles Sturt you’ll get plenty of opportunities to socialise outside the classroom. From social events like balls and movie nights to online hangouts and outreach get-togethers – new buddies are for relaxing with too.

One of the best things about your uni friends is that they also become an instant professional network. You’ll all be plugged into the latest developments in your industry, so when you graduate, you’ll know where the action is. Your university mates could become your colleagues as well. How cool is that?

3. You gain true independence

Uni is likely to be the first time you’ll have to manage, you know, all the ‘life stuff’. It might be the first time you’ve lived away from home. Or your first time managing loans and payments. Or doing your own washing!

Going to uni means you’ll be independent. You can strike out on your own and build your confidence. You’ll have the freedom to become you. Although, you don’t have to do it all alone; you’ll have support whenever you need it.

4. Skills for all occasions

The skills you learn at uni aren’t all the technical ones you need for your future job. You also get soft skills, which complement your university degree.

Soft what, now?

Soft skills are the things you learn to help you navigate the workplace – and life – successfully. We’re talking confidence, critical thinking, communication, leadership, resilience, problem-solving. They’re the skills that help you make things happen.

And they are just as useful when making big life choices as they are when you’re in a workplace.

5. A world of opportunities with a university degree

University is all about broadening your horizons, and Charles Sturt can literally put the world at your feet.

With your technical skills, your soft skills and your industry network, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs across Australia and overseas when you graduate.

But you don’t have to wait until you finish your degree to discover a world of opportunity.

CSU Global gives you the chance to experience life in another country – while you learn.

You could study abroad for a session.
You could take a research trip in the holidays.
You could go overseas to volunteer.

There are so many opportunities – and Charles Sturt has the partnerships, support and, potentially, the financial assistance you need to make it happen.