Should I go to university this year?

Whilst in many countries the spread of the Coronavirus is now under control. The uncertainty about travel restrictions, countries lockdown measures and ultimately university course provision is leading to a lot of students who are looking to start this September asking. Should I go to university this year?

We work with universities around the world and have asked them about their plans for opening in September. All of the universities we asked gave a resounding ‘yes’ they will be starting this includes countries across Europe the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Universities in some of the worst effected countries such as the UK and USA, are already putting in place the necessary measures to teach on campus by September.

What will be different this September?

In some countries who have been less effected by the Coronavirus pandemic such as New Zealand you can expect university life to start largely unaffected. Other countries where the virus has been more prevalent are planning a wide range of options.

For example in larger universities big lecture halls will move online initially, with teaching focused in smaller tutor groups. Universities are well set up for this, as even before the coronavirus pandemic universities used a wide range of in person and online teaching measures. Outside of the classroom accommodation will be open in the majority of universities. Measures will be in place to create ‘social bubbles’ where you will learn, live and socialise in smaller social groups. This is a great idea helping to build those all-important friendships early on in your studies, before university life is opened up over the proceeding weeks.

Things will be different in most universities who will take slightly different approaches. However, they will all want to go back to normal as soon as it is safe. So whilst there might be some changes in the first few months things will return to normal during your first year.

Can I still get a place to go to university this year?

A recent survey showed that of those students asking the question, should I go to university this year? 20% are considering deferring their place to 2021. This is a problem for universities as it means there will be a lot of places that will not be filled. This means that even though by this time of year the best courses are already full, this is not the case this year. With the right support you can still find lots of course options at some excellent universities.

So if you are asking yourself, should I go to university this year? Our advice is a resounding yes. As whist in most countries you won’t have a traditional start, it will still be fun and importantly there will be less competition for places so starting in 2020. This opens up study options even at this late stage that will be much more competitive next September.

If you would like to find out more about your options for starting university this September or if are looking to start in 2021 please do get in touch.