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It is a strange time now to be making huge decisions for the future. Usually, the decision whether or not to go to university straight away is dictated by a desire to go and explore the world, take time out from studying or grades.  The current pandemic has really shaken things up and a lot of students are questioning whether attending university in the autumn is the right decision for them. So, with my current experience of completing my masters during lock down and understanding what its like to start fresh and study at two different universities. I am going to offer some guidance on how to decide if attending university in the Autumn is best for you.

One of the main questions that is being asked is ‘Why is distance learning the same price as face to face learning?’  The truth is creating distance learning is a lot more time consuming than creating a presentation and attending a lecture (I know this because I create online learning solutions for a living). University libraries will also be buying subscriptions to online resources for textbooks they would usually only have available in the library. Where possible they will also be making sports clubs and societies available online. To find out what your university is offering students and what their teaching will be like when their courses start, you should contact your university. I would recommend doing this through social media channels as other people with the same questions as you will then be able to see the answers.

The most important thing to consider when deciding whether to take a gap year is YOU. And there are 3 questions you should ask yourself.

1. Why are you going to university?

If your reason to go to university is so you can have the university experience, party through the whole of first year, celebrate moving away from home and no longer having a curfew. Then maybe it is best to take a gap year as its likely your first freshers experience will be quite different to what you are looking for. Yes, people do go to university for these reasons. There is no shame in doing what you want. However, if you are going to university with the goal of achieving your dream career or to study something you love, you should consider question 2.

2. What are you going to do instead?

Traditionally Gap years are spent doing 1 or more of 4 things:

• Working: If you plan on working during your gap year you should consider whether you already have a job and if you don’t the likeliness of finding a job when so many people have lost their jobs. (This will be different for everyone depending where you live and your previous work experience)
• Travelling: If you plan on travelling, can you afford to go? Can you get there? Do you have a back up plan? Do you have insurance that DEFINITELY covers you if the country you are visiting/planning on visiting is locked down again? Did you actually read the small print?
• Partying: If you plan on partying, what happens if everywhere gets locked down again? Will it be the same?
• Volunteering: If you plan on volunteering, do you already have an opportunity? Is it still going ahead? Do you need to travel?
• No Plan: If you do not have a plan. Is having a year doing nothing worth it? Do you just need time to watch Netflix and not look at a textbook for a while? Do you feel like you aren’t ready?

And finally:

3. How do you learn?

Everyone learns differently some people learn through listening, others watching, doing or a combination. If you don’t already know, there are plenty of questionnaire’s online to help you get an idea of how you learn. (An example is http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles.shtml)

This is important because if your chosen university cannot provide you with the learning experience you need, you might be better off waiting a year rather than not getting the most of what you are being taught. So, find out what steps your university has put in place to prepare for students starting in the Autumn semester. Some university’s will be splitting their courses into 3 teaching sections, using the first to focus on study skills which can easily be developed at home. Other Uni’s will have entirely online courses for the first semester. Others will have a mix of small groups for face to face teaching and online resources. Some universities will encourage students to stay on campus whereas others will encourage students to stay away. It is important to find out from your university or prospective universities how your course will be provided and what resources will be available to you.

And remember what ever you decide, there is no right or wrong answer. It is about what is best for YOU and what YOU want.

Watch out for my next post on the development of  my skills through A- levels, Undergraduate and Postgraduate. And the most important lessons I have learnt from each level of study.