PEDESTRIAN.TV has teamed up with Griffith University to help you make the right changes for your career.
Picking the right university is a hectic choice, and it may be the first “big” life choice many of us make — outside of who we take to the formal, of course.
It’s hard to know what the right university for you might be, given that if you’re just leaving high school, odds are you might not have the most fully formed idea of who you are yet. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m 26 and just realised I’m not built to bake sourdough. It’s a tough realisation, but one I’ll learn to cope with.
To help you decide, I spoke to three current Griffith University students — Jordan McGrath (studying a science degree majoring in applied mathematics and wildlife biology), Ella Toomey (studying a double degree in design and business), and Shayna Spencer (studying a double degree in mechanical engineering and industrial design) — for their tips on choosing the right place of study for you.
1. Speak to people involved in your degree
An underrated tip before diving into any degree is to reach out to the people that are already part of the university – course coordinators, teachers, students, alumni.
Before starting at Griffith, Jordan made sure to have plenty of interactions with the university and its staff. “I talked to other students and staff at Griffith University to get a good sense of not only the university in general but my specific degree as well,” he told PEDESTRIAN.TV. “In high school, I also had the opportunity to be involved with programs run by Griffith University, which gave me a feel of the university and a sense of how my course would run.”
Shayna also had a similar experience, noting how her experience talking to a teacher at the school helped her decide on her degree. “Before I even began my studies, Simon (a teacher at Griffith University) reached out to me for a conversation about my program and to understand my goals for enrolling,” she said.
“At that time, I was contemplating two different degrees and felt uncertain about my choice. Simon took the time to discuss my concerns over the phone and later met with me in his office until I felt confident about my options. His approachability and unwavering commitment have made him an invaluable resource throughout my journey at Griffith.”
2. Consider your interests and how the university can support them
University is a place where you can hone in on your interests and find people who share your enthusiasm for them. It’s also where you’ll truly come into your own as a person, getting to explore your passions beyond the classes you took in high school.
“When choosing a university, it’s essential to consider who you are as a person and whether the university aligns with your values,” Ella says. “Look for signs that it champions those values, creates meaningful opportunities for students, and delivers tangible outcomes that resonate with you. For me, it was important to find a place where I felt seen, valued, and appreciated, where my ideas and thoughts mattered.”
It’s more than just finding a university that will offer you classes and good grades, she continued. “A good fit is about the opportunities available to grow personally and professionally. At Griffith, I’ve been involved in overseas study and volunteer trips, networking events, clubs and societies, and even Griffith Business School’s re-accreditations — opportunities I could never have imagined at another university. These experiences have enriched my university journey far beyond academics.”
3. Look into how the uni differs from others
Look, some universities are going to match your vibe, and some aren’t. Whether it’s club activities, the approach to learning, or the values of the university itself, these are all things you should be considering when checking if a uni is right for you.
“Each university has strengths in certain areas, which is also important to look at,” Jordan said. “For me, it was a toss-up between Griffith University and another one, both of which had advanced science degrees. Other than the experience I already had with Griffith, I knew that it had a strong environmental science area. The University is also smaller and seemed more personal, and finally, it was much closer, which matters when you travel there every day.”
Jordan, who is a First Nations man of Lunga Kija descent, said it was Griffith’s approach to cultural inclusion that played a key factor in making his choice.
“Griffith has the GUMURRII Student Success Unit, which provides a space for First Nations students at Griffith University,” he said. “They run regular networking events, support workshops, and tutoring services and give advice on scholarships and career pathways. They also provide personalised support where possible and are a lovely bunch of people!”
4. Visit in person
Before enrolling in a course, it’s a good idea to check out the university for yourself.
Universities often run open days to help ease future students into what they can expect, letting them explore the grounds (some campuses are huge!), classrooms and club activities. However, your window for checking out a uni isn’t limited to just the open days. You could always look to book a campus tour, check out their facilities online or book a Q&A to ask questions.
Jordan also recommended looking at what student clubs are running as well, as they’ll be able to help students adapt to the new university environment. “Outside of the orientation week, the Student Guild runs activities, which are great ways for new students to be involved and feel welcome, should they attend.”
It’s not only the campus life you should consider but also what sets you up for a good work-life balance.
“For me, proximity was essential; I wanted a campus that was easily accessible without extensive travel,” Shayna said. “I also preferred an in-person experience over online learning, as I believe that much of the university experience comes from meeting people and getting involved on campus.”
5. Don’t be afraid to try again
If you realise a bit into your degree that it isn’t right for you, or the university itself isn’t fitting, there are always other pathways to continue your degree at another university or to transition into a different field.
For a lot of people, studying a degree will be their first time properly engaging in a field of study in a serious academic environment, and that can change some folks’ perspective on that field.
Ella says that this is normal. “Trust your intuition — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to acknowledge that and explore other opportunities,” she said. “University is a time for growth, and part of that process is discovering what truly excites and motivates you. If you find yourself feeling disconnected from your course or university, take the time to reflect on what you’re passionate about and what environment will help you thrive.”
Her lessons come from experience; she spent two years studying at another university before deciding to make the change.
“When I finished school, I initially had my heart set on another university in Brisbane,” she said. “I had multiple scholarships lined up and spent two years studying there. However, after trying a few degrees, I realised the issue wasn’t the courses but the university culture, which didn’t align with my learning style as much as I’d hoped. Each university has its own distinct culture and approach to education, and I found that Griffith’s focus on practical learning was exactly what I needed when choosing a university the second time around.”
She continued: “Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s switching degrees, exploring extracurricular activities, or even considering a different university. For me, changing universities was a big decision, but it allowed me to align my studies with my interests and values. Remember, it’s not about having everything figured out right now—it’s about finding the path that feels right for you and being open to change.”
Jordan agreed. “Universities are often very flexible in which courses you take, so you can switch majors, degrees, etc, often with little difficulty, especially early on,” he said. “It’s best to do so earlier rather than towards the end of your degree, but better late than never!
6. Find out what opportunities are available to help kick-start your career
Different universities often invest in various local and international opportunities, from study prospects to career placements.
“Often students can access opportunities for discipline-specific experience such as internships, research involvement, and more,” Jordan says. “These experiences are crucial for students to understand what they are interested in or, more importantly, what they are not interested in. I have been fortunate enough to have had a few international opportunities, which I fully recommend! International travel early in your career is a great way to broaden your horizons and global knowledge.”
Want a career with impact? Whatever it is that gets you out of bed in the morning, make it matter at Griffith University.
The post 6 Tips From Uni Students On How To Decide Where To Study Next Year appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
