Student Life

Why You Should Accept the University Offer

Covid-19 has upended most universities and colleges to the point that it’s become a question of whether or not going to university this year is worth it. And while it’s understandable to to be upset that your university experience will be different than years before, you shouldn’t turn down offers from universities.

But, you may ask, why?

2021 Classes will be Extremely Full
A large percentage of students are thinking of taking the year off. This means that not only will the 2021/2022 year of schooling be made up of those that didn’t enroll this year, but have the high school graduates of next year as well. Universities will have to decide whether the classes will become larger to accommodate or less students will be admitted.

If the classes are larger it can mean a less personal experience for students and an overwhelming one for professors. If they start admitting less students, it could mean that while you were admitted this year, you might not be admitted next year. And depending on your region, it could affect your bursaries and scholarships.

Online Learning is Still Learning
When it comes down to it, unless your degree is a hands-on only affair, your learning will not change that much by being online. While in person lessons may give a more cozy feel, the information that you will learn and the essays you write will still be the same.

Online learning has been slowly creeping into the classroom for years now. Blackboards, online essay drops, and online PowerPoints - all these are aspects of online learning.

Aside from being in the physical room with your professor and being able to physically raise your hand to speak or physically go to see them after class, nothing major is different.

Frosh Will Happen
Residences may be closed first term but Frosh will happen in the second term. If you are worried about not having the experience of university or college, this is to comfort you and tell you that you will have it. A single term of being unable to be on a physical campus won’t change whether or not you make friends.

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to getting classes together and to introduce themselves to each other before the school year begins. You will be able to start making all your university friends.

You will get your parties, your Frosh, and your social events. Don’t cancel your plans just because these events won’t happen in your first term of university.

Do what is right for you
If you can’t afford to go to school or if your health, mental or physical, may be affected by going, then please take care of yourself in the way you see fit.

But if you can, don’t let Covid-19 throw off your schedule. If you’re worried about the experience not living up to your expectations or of missing social moments, it’s okay, they will be there. Don’t let the pandemic control your degree.

You can win awards
If you head to university — even if it turns out to be online in part or in whole — you’ll be more competitive when it comes to scholarships and awards. It’s always better to begin beefing up your profile as a student while things are still fresh in your mind. Find those scholarships. Find those awards. Apply for them all!