3 ways on how not to choose a course in university

#1 - Choose a course because it leads to a job that pays $$$

“It’s not about the money, money, money” 

How poignant and true is Jessie J’s Price tag song? In this materialistic world, we’ve been led to believe that money buys happiness and those who are earning big are most likely to be happy than those struggling to get by.

Interestingly, a new research revealed that wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness and what matters most than wealth is how people spend it. There’s a significant difference between money spent for material and experiential purchase. The research concludes that those who invest on experiential purchase are happier than those who lavish themselves with material wealth. 

So instead of the money, choose a course that leads to a job that lets you experience life. 

#2 -Enrol in a course where all your friends are going to

Congratulations! You have just finished a chapter of your life and a new adventure awaits you. However, you’re probably be afraid to lose your friends the moment you decide to study overseas or go to a university outside town. Don’t fret because university life is all about starting on a fresh slate and be the person you want to be.

High School was all about fitting in but in university, it’s all about being independent. So use this moment to improve the most important relationship in your life - yourself. Making new friends, and keeping the ones who count, ushers in new life experiences. 

So instead of getting clingy with your friends, choose a course where you can re-discover yourself. True friendship doesn't diminish by distance or time. 

#3 - Choose a course based solely on your parent’s wishes

If your parents are paying for your college expenses, they deserve to have a say in your decision-making process. To avoid disagreements, however, it is recommended to start communicating to your parents early about your plans in university.

Do some research about the course you like to take and its employment prospects, and share this to your parents in hopes that they’ll see the practicality of it.

Disagreements happen simply because parents worry about your financial stability and career path. In some situations, finding a diplomatic solution to a problem can work; one student let his parents choose a university while he decided on what course to take.  

So instead of blindly following your parent’s wishes, try to compromise.