Everything You Need To Know About Studying In 2021 After *All This*
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2020 has been… different. Pretty much everything’s had to change, and even though things are settling down for many Aussies, we still don’t really know what life will look like in 2021.
It’s disappointing (but not surprising) that students have been some of the hardest hit this year. Universities adapted quickly to the new normal, rolling out more online degrees, offering alternate entry pathways, and introducing new student support programs. Now the question is: what’s it going to be like to study next year?
To help you figure out if studying in 2021 is the right move for you, we chatted to Morgan Sommerville, a student recruitment officer at CQUniversity, about how uni is going to work next year, what support will be available, and what study options students will have.
You Can (Probably) Go Back To Campus
Universities, especially ones with a strong online presence like CQUniversity, made their degrees available online this year – even courses with clinical or lab requirements. But with restrictions easing, it’s likely that students will finally be able to return to on-campus study next year – as long as conditions keep improving.
“[CQUniversity] students will have their pick of our wide range of flexible TAFE and uni courses, whether they’re looking at full-time, part-time, online, or on-campus study,” Sommerville says.
Just make sure you check what study options are available when and where you’re enrolling or continuing your studies next year.
Image: Brooke Cagle / Unsplash
You’ll Have Plenty Of Support
Good universities support their students no matter what, but lots of institutions really stepped it up in 2020. Free counselling sessions, virtual social events, financial aid, and scholarships are just some of the services that students can access if they’re struggling mentally or financially because of COVID.
And you’ll still be able to access support services like this next year. For instance, the Principal’s Recommendation Scheme is an alternate entry pathway offered at CQUniversity that lets Year 12 students apply for their degree based on the recommendation of their principal. It’s a great option for graduating students who are concerned their academic results might not be on track, and the uni hopes it will help reduce the stress of applying for university.
Image: Estée Janssens / Unsplash
You Won’t Be Rushed Into Anything
Things may be returning back to (some kind of) normal, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to commit to anything just yet. Universities have plans in place to help students transition smoothly back to on-campus study and, for many degrees, you’ll still have the choice between online and on-campus study.
“Students [at CQUniversity] will continue to access learning materials for all theory units online, meaning students’ transition back to campus will be as seamless as their transition was to online,” Sommerville says.
“Moving back to on-campus study won’t feel too different for our students — just the part where they have to change out of their pyjamas.”
Research what study options are available at your preferred universities and make a study plan that will suit your “new normal”. Chances are, no matter what you want to do or where, you’ll be able to make it work next year.
Image: Brad Neathery / Unsplash
It’s Okay To Feel Uncertain
It can be really, really hard to commit to anything new right now when it feels like we’re all in limbo.
If you’re not sure whether going to uni next year is the right move for you, Sommerville says there’s a simple way to look at it: “whether you’re graduating high school, returning to study, or changing careers, getting started now will bring you closer to where you want to be sooner”.
“Applying to start studying in 2021 can provide some certainty after what has been nothing short of a very uncertain year.”
Key takeaway: you don’t have to press pause on your study goals just because the future is changing faster than a brunette gets kicked off The Bachelor. Take control of 2021 and know there are experts ready to support and guide you.
Image: Matt Ragland / Unsplash
There’s A Plan In Case The World Breaks Again
It’s okay to be nervous about starting a degree when no one’s even sure what life will be like in 2021. Just know that universities have a plan in place if restrictions tighten again.
“As [CQUniversity] is a leader in online education, we were able to respond quickly to the 2020 restrictions and minimise disruption to students,” says Sommerville. “All the groundwork has already been done, and it would be a simple transition back to online if needed.”
Think of it this way: universities have a full year’s worth of experience in teaching during *all this*, so the switch will be easier than ever for students if we have to do it again.
So, no matter what happens next year, you’ll have lots of help keeping your study on track.
This article originally appeared on Junkee.
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Explore your 2021 study options with CQUniversity.
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(Lead image: Surface / Unsplash)