Common University Myths

Student loans are an impossible debt

Many people worry that paying off a student loan puts them in lots of debt that they can’t deal with. However, student loan companies are well-governed, and this ensures you pay back your loans in a way that you can afford, based on your employment salary.

You will only begin to pay back your loan once you start earning over a certain amount per year from your employment. Repayments are (currently) a fixed 9% of what you earn over that threshold. These repayments are taken from your pay each month before it goes into your bank account, just like how national insurance is deducted. The amount you pay is based on how much you earn, ensuring you are only ever paying back what you can afford.

The first year doesn't count

You'll probably get told at some point that “first year doesn't count”. Although the marks you get in your first year don't go towards your final degree classification, you need to pass your first year to move onto the second year of your course.

Your marks and feedback can provide valuable insight into how well you're doing and what you might need to do to improve. The knowledge and skills you learn in your first year lays the foundations for the following years of your course, so it is important not to discount it and soak up as much information as possible.

You'll miss out if you don't drink alcohol

It's entirely your choice whether you drink, but you don't need to do it to have a good time.

Many of our students don't drink at all, and there are lots of ways to spend your time aside from in the bars and nightclubs. We have over 100 clubs and societies that you can join to meet like-minded people and the cities and towns of South Wales have plenty to offer from walking clubs and art exhibitions to comedy nights and theatres.

You can't work while studying

Some courses can be very time-intensive, however, having a part-time job can help with your studies and teach you important time management skills. To be successful, you'll need to be organised, which can push you to learn to make better use of your time and stick to deadlines.

Doing some part-time work can have other benefits such as easing money pressures, providing you with a different circle of friends, and experience for your CV.

You can't have a social life and good grades

Just as you need to get the balance right between a job and university work, you need to ensure you look at your social life in the same way,so you don't risk falling behind or missing out on all the fun!

Much of university life is about learning life skills and joining in with activities outside of your course. With good time management skills and planning, you can make the most of both worlds.

You won't have any support

Early nerves are often overcome once you meet your new friends and settle into the new surroundings. It is also very easy to keep in touch with family and friends through video-calling or by organising a trip home occasionally.

We like to think of our staff and students as one big USW Family, so rest assured that you will always have somebody to turn to in times of need. If you do find yourself struggling to adapt to life at university, there are a number of University Support Services that can help you overcome any challenges you might be facing.