General Chat

Neither of my children now in their 30s/40s wanted to go, both had good brains and could have gone. They both chose to work up in their chosen field (both went into Insurance by different routes) and both have done extremely well, taking external exams, OU etc.. So I would say university is not necessarily the way to go. but each child must decide for themselves. Parents should not be pushing their kids to go to uni just because it sounds good. ann Glos

Yes, according to my daughter it was!! Nanna-M :)

Everyone bangs on ..... Relax ........ (???) Unfortunately it seems that in this day and age many employers require qualifications of some sort beyond O levels. If you have the will to get ahead in life then I guess that Uni is an option that will give you qualifications that will help but I would say that the qualification is useless on its own if you do not have other merits that would run parallel with that subject. Many youing people take an easy option by taking Business Studies and probably pass but in the real world you will be quickly found out if you do not have a good level of mathematics - or even English. All that I have said is regarding employment, possibly in a major company. On the other hand if you think that you can succeed and be self-employed then that is a risk that You take but bear in mind that your self-employed status may bring you into contact with people who have qualifications and so it becomes a battle of the fittest. All the comments that you have seen so far on this thread appear to be about the social side of Uni but you must know that is only a side issue and probably helps you through the period required to attain whatever you want. From your personal viewpoint I can see that you have certain skills and the desire to 'make it' withiout further education - and you may succeed but don't you think that having a uni qualification is not only good for your own morale but is also a good standby if ever needed. You only have to look at the various so-called celebrities who are everywhere and realise that whether they are top businessmen, sports personalities, involved in the 'pop', comedians .... so many have been through uni and have qualifications and maybe when they are looking at the £££ they have acquired their uni training, and the people they mix with, has taught them how to use it.

Hi Daniel, my dtr got into Uni at 18 to study economics etc and only stayed a month - totally hated it after so many years at school. Went out and worked in the stocks/shares/finance market for years. Last year she spent 6 mths backpacking the world and came back to go to Uni as a mature age student (24 yrs) and is now studying environmental science and is loving every minute of uni life. Likewise my son did the same thing, worked, backpacked and then went to uni as mature age student to become a primary school teacher at age 26yrs. Dtr in law now 31 also at Uni and is just finishing her final year studying to be Early Childhood/Primary school teacher.

I went to a college when I left school, for 2 years. I lived at home 1st year and shared a flat 2nd year. Being a student then was great as I got a full grant and no worries about student loans, starting a pension, etc. We just used our Student Union card to get into cinemas and theatres cheap and used the heavily subsidised student union bar. But I did go and stay weekends with folks at uni at York and East Anglia (Norwich) and enjoyed the drinking, concerts and jelly & custard fights. Nowadays I think its all about passing exams and getting qualifications and finding a job and somehow paying off your student debt whilst taking out a mortgage and paying a huge pension scheme. nell

Best 3 years of my life. Loved every minute. Gwynne

Think the great thing about Uni or college is that often it acts as a stepping stone between living at home (and being reliant on parents) and being on your own in the big bad world of employment. If it's a case of going to Uni purely for the qualification, then that can always be done later, if the motivation is high. I did both, but with a 12 year gap. No regrets. Great social life first time round and later worked hard, (whilst on full pay!! ) during Iyr secondment to convert certificate to a degree Jay

I bet it is Steve...now behave cos if you curl my toes I wont be able to get my scarlet stilletos on :-)

Lemon babes mwwahhhhhhhhhhhhhh Polly Mwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh waves Hmmm Dan is using my Sunday name now lol Oh Lems ya right it is a Blast wherever i go pmsl Sxx

*considers becoming a mature-ish student and going to Uni - sounds fun*

I don't think young peeps should be pressured to go to Uni - I went cos I wanted to and not straight after a levels - had a brill time! Kaz :o))

My Niece went and had a ball, they lived like slobs and party's every night, she did end getting her degree and doing very well for herself but when at Uni it did not appear she was doing anything but party with her mates LOL

* I am watching you two * !!Steve and Dan !! * waves to Steve*

After you antics last night I'm sure it was Steven

Steve I am sure anywhere you were would be a blast sweetie :-)

My daughter feels very pressured at college to go onto Uni. She feels that they spend 2 years pushing you in that direction. She has made the decision not to go. Jacky :-)

Never went, didn't interest me in the slighest.

Well Dan All i can say is University was a BLAST for me mate lol Steve

Hi Carol......waves to Julie...we will get told off for all this waviong soon, as everyone will get sea sick

Waves back to Polly....I spent a night at Aston Uni, when my bruv graduated, slept on his floor, oh did I have a hang over so I quite liked Uni ;-)