How To Pick A Degree You're Passionate About

It took me ages to decide whether I wanted to go to university or not. Whilst I was in 6th form I applied to study Psychology, fully knowing that I had no intention of actually going to university but everyone else was so I thought "meh I might as well apply for anything". But after actually taking the time to realize what I was passionate about, I am now very happily studying Media and Communication & Film studies at a university in Liverpool.

I honestly think I've made the best decision of my life because it's honestly the most ideal course for me and I'm so in love with what I'm studying. That's why I thought I'd share my tips on how I chose a degree that was perfect for me...

1. Be selfish- It's not often people tell you to do this, but when it comes to what is best for your studies putting yourself first is essential. Everyone's got their unique skills and talents, so the only way you're gonna choose a course that is right for you is by picking one that you yourself want to do. There's no point going to university to study a subject that you think your parents, family, friends or potential future employers want you to do. Do what's right for you and only you!

2. Evaluate the career you want to go in to- For me I always knew I wanted a career in the media. But don't ask me specifically what area though, I have no idea yet. That's why I thought "why don't I just do a media degree instead of psychology degree, if I'm gonna end up doing media anyway". 

3. Evaluate your hobbies- If you're unsure of the career field you wanna go into, that doesn't matter (let's face it most people don't really know what they want to do with their lives). The best way you're gonna know what career you wanna go into is to base it off your hobbies. Like with me for example, all I do in my spare time is go on YouTube and go on Netflix so a Media+Film degree = a no brainer.

4. Look at universities- First of all you're gonna have to find universities that actually teach the subjects you want to do... obviously! But then an important factor to consider is the rankings of those universities. My advice would be not to look at the overall ranking of that uni, but the ranking of the course you're looking at. There's no point applying one of the top 10 universities in the country if it's got bad facilities to teach your specific course. 

5. Visit the universities- Speak to students about their experience, look at student satisfaction, meet your potential future lectures and look at the location of your actual university. Looking at a university on the internet is soooooo different to seeing it in person, and you're gonna wanna make sure you will enjoy every second of living there.

6. Have a final sleep on it- Have a think to yourself whether you can really see yourself wanting to get up each morning to go to your lectures and whether you're really that passionate about your course that you'll spend time outside your lessons working on your degree.

As someone who knows what its like to study the perfect subject for them, I would say its definitely worth it to wait until you know what you want to do for sure. The song of the day is Stolen Moments by The Vamps. Let me know if you have any questions about my university experience so far, I'll be happy to answer :)

Izzy K xxx