I chose not to go to university, and there’s nothing wrong with that

‘What are you going to study at university?” This was the presumptuous question I faced countless times last year, and almost every time a person asked me, they were left surprised by my response.

I knew from an early age that university wasn’t for me. I couldn’t picture myself studying full time for an extra three years and the thought of moving away from home, being saddled with student debt and possibly not being able to get the job I wanted after graduating worried me. But I reminded my then 13-yearold self that I still had plenty of time to decide what to do and my mindset could completely change in the coming years. But it didn’t.

University was frequently discussed throughout my time in sixth form, while other options were only briefly mentioned. At that stage, I was interested in a career in media and communications and I was open to the thought of a number of jobs within this sector. However, I still wasn’t warming to the idea of getting a degree and, when the time came to start our applications to Ucas, I couldn’t help but feel lost among a large group of 17-year-olds who all seemed excited about the prospects of university.

I looked into a range of courses, but none appealed to me and I questioned whether it was essential for my career path. I was also worried that, after three years of studying, I would land myself in a job that didn’t even require a degree.

I had become interested in journalism after work experience at my local newspaper. The placement gave me an insight into the field and the advice I got there was extremely helpful. It confirmed my decision not to go to university and I was keen to get a job or apprenticeship instead.

So I suspended my account on Ucas, abandoned my personal statement and made it clear to my teachers that I was not interested in any information regarding university. As the vast majority of my year group were applying to university, I improved my CV, researched apprenticeships and applied for jobs independently while still finishing my studies.

Significant pressure was put on me to go to university, however, and this left me feeling doubtful of my decision. There is now a general assumption in society that everyone has to go on to higher education and, because of this, I often felt like I had to justify taking a different direction to everyone else.

If a young person wants to go to university or wishes to pursue a career path that needs a degree, they have every right to do so. But it’s wrong to preach that three years further study is the only option for success.

Of course there will still be young people who aspire to go university, but there will also be young people, like me, who don’t find the idea appealing and instead may want to take a gap year, volunteer, explore the world of work or combine study with paid work. Young people can be just as successful if they follow other options and ultimately they should be free to choose what they do without pressure from others.

Looking back now, I’m glad I stuck to my instincts and didn’t follow the pressure to go to university. A year on from finishing my A-levels, I am working and training to become a junior journalist. After a lot of stress and worry, I finally feel like I am on the right path and I don’t have any regrets about my decision. It just proves you don’t necessarily need a degree to be successful.