4 Reasons Why You Should Study At University
Change your life forever
A few weeks ago, I found an opinion of a famous YouTuber in Argentina.
In the video, he made valid points about why he didn’t attend university. And why he doesn’t regret his decision. This is something I’ve seen in many young students. Here are some of their reasons:
Expensive (in countries where education is not public).
Internet: there are plenty of unique and free resources, so why should I go to University?
Learn skills-based hiring: many companies emphasize skills instead of education. So, again, why should I go to University?
Flexibility and freedom: more time availability.
Although I think this is a valid argument, I disagree.
You should go to University.
Here are 4 reasons.
1. Structured Learning Path
Universities mastered meta-learning a long time ago.
In other words, they carefully created a structured curriculum to learn something from scratch. Plus, they use all the foundational knowledge to advance to more complex topics.
Sure, some concepts will not be relevant to what you want to do.
However, learning them will enhance your understanding of core concepts and logical progression, which is challenging in self-directed learning.
Another point is frustration tolerance.
We will have to learn topics we don’t want in real life. This is challenging—not because we are incapable, but because we are not motivated. Motivation is fuel for learning.
University prepares you for that.
It will make you stronger.
2. Teachers and Networking
At uni, you learn directly from experienced professors and researchers.
They provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship crucial to your professional growth. However, the most important point for me is inspiration.
Teachers inspire.
Although I had terrible professors during my degree, a few of them inspired and changed my life completely. They are the reason why I’m pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience.
Finally, universities facilitate networking.
This is also crucial for your career. Talking with other students, professors, teachers, etc., can give you new opportunities or helpful connections. My teachers connected me with many laboratories and researchers.
That was life-changing.
3. Exposure to Different Perspectives and Ideas
Universities enhance diversity in every way.
Campuses are built from different cultures, languages, backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity enhances critical thinking and engages you in powerful and meaningful discussions. Every talk helped me perceive life differently, and it also enhanced my creativity.
Debating with other students and teachers was my favorite thing about studying at University.
That’s how I made friends. Now colleagues.
This is the essence of University.
4. Credentials and Recognition
Last but not least, Universities are widely recognized.
The reason is simple. A degree demonstrates to potential employers that you have undergone a rigorous and structured education. This gives every degree-holder a dedication that self-study alone may not convey.
I experienced this a lot when looking for data analyst jobs.
Literally, every position I found required a degree in anything. It could be computer science, psychology, biology, physics, whatever. But they wanted a degree.
Oh, and if you want to become a scientist, then a degree is a must.
Is university enough?
I don’t think so.
Self-directed learning is one of the most important soft skills to have. In other words, learning how to learn or effective learning. This helps you prepare for the real world and quickly adapt to any environment.
For me, it is not about deciding to go to University or self-taught learning.
You should do both.
That was my learning revolution.
Ultra-learning saved my career.
It helped me learn anything without overstudying or overworking. But remember, each person has a different life. Perhaps you work full-time and also study. Or maybe you have a family, etc.
Be reasonable, and don’t fall into toxic productivity.
Here are some last recommendations:
Don’t compare yourself with others. Take your time.
This is not a competition. This is about you. Make it fun and healthy.
Please take care of yourself. That’s the most important thing!
Now it is your turn.
What are you going to learn next?
Until the next time,
Axel
Universities excel in creating structured curricula rooted in the principles of meta-learning. These programs enable students to build knowledge from foundational concepts, presented in a logical and interconnected sequence. This progressive approach fosters deep understanding, empowering learners to tackle complex subjects effectively. By emphasizing gradual knowledge acquisition, universities cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills essential for academic and professional success.
About this: "Universities mastered meta-learning a long time ago. In other words, they carefully created a structured curriculum to learn something from scratch. Plus, they use all the foundational knowledge to advance to more complex topics."
This is a strong argument in principle, but keep in mind that it varies from university to university (and from country to country). American universities, in particular, are working overtime to maximize "choice," thereby eliminating any such structured path. And yes, humanities are significantly worse than the sciences in this regard.