What to study at university: 7 tips to help you decide

With so many courses on offer, it’s normal to feel unsure about where to begin

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Choosing a degree is the first step in your university journey. With so many degrees to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident in choosing what to study at university.

7 tips to guide you through what to study at uni

1. Find degrees that suit your interests

You’re more likely to succeed in a degree that genuinely interests you. Think about the subjects you enjoy learning at school. Did you spend more time in the art room working on something creative? Did you prefer problem solving subjects and working through mathematical equations? Or were you more interested in science subjects? Think about the progress you’d like to make in the world or what kind of societal impact you’d like to make.

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Spend some time thinking about what interests you. You might even want to explore something new and exciting. Try our two minute quiz to see which degree matches your personality.

I chose UNSW because I loved the energy on campus and had heard great things from friends. I'm studying Economics and Arts because I’ve always wanted to tackle big global issues. Majoring in global development and politics felt like the right path to help create change and support others.

Jasmine O’Brien, Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Arts student

2. Do your research

Found a degree that suits your interests? Check the:

entry requirements
student testimonials
alumni stories
potential careers
fees and scholarship information.

You can also look through the handbook to see what the degree involves and what you’ll study.

3. Consider what your career goals are

Studying a degree can be an exciting first step towards your future career. Some degrees like medicine and law, lead to specific career pathways, while others, like arts or science, give you broad skills you can apply across many roles and industries.

Think about your career goals and how a degree can get you there. If you don’t want to settle on one study area, consider looking at degrees that provide you with some flexibility. A double degree can provide you with more choice, more knowledge and multiply your opportunities upon graduation.

I’ve really enjoyed doing a double degree because it keeps things varied—I can switch focus when I need to and it’s given me a broader perspective. It’ll open up more opportunities for future careers as well.

James Goodyear, Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws student

4. Get first-hand experience of student life

Open Day is our biggest event of the year. It’s a great opportunity for you to experience UNSW campus life by chatting with current students and academics about courses and programs. On the day you can attend talks, ask questions, experience campus life and more.

If you’re in Year 12, Info Day helps you understand preferences and programs after you receive your ATAR in December, before UAC preferences close for our main offer round. On the day you’ll find lectures, advisory zones and campus tours to help you make your decision with confidence.

Additionally, we have a range of events you can attend throughout the year to help you get a taste of what student life is like at UNSW. This will give you the opportunity to figure out what’s right for you. Visit our undergraduate events page and sign up to our newsletter to receive invites directly to your inbox.

5. Learn about the opportunities available

University is more than classroom learning – there are many opportunities to get involved. As part of your academic journey, you can join societies and clubs to meet like-minded students.

If you want to broaden your horizons, our overseas study and exchange opportunities may be something to consider. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) gives you real-world experience through internships and work placements. These experiences can build your skills in communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

I got to be part of UNSW’s Redback Racing team, where we designed, built and raced a mini FormulaOne-style car. It’s not just about engineering—we also managed the team like a real business. It wasan incredible way to apply what I’ve learned in class and gain hands-on experience.

Akash Pathirage, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Aerospace Engineering) student

6. Immerse yourself in campus life

Explore the campus to get a real feel for life at UNSW. Consider the commute, the facilities available on campus, how many campuses there are and more. Attending Open Day will give you a good sense of what campus life is like.

Talking with our student ambassadors can help you get a general sense of what campus life is like. Sign up for a campus tour to get familiar with your surroundings – you can also ask questions about student accommodation options.

7. You can always change to a degree that better suits you

If you find that your degree is not for you, you can always switch to something different. Many students start university exploring their options and discover a different degree suits them better.

UNSW gave me a strong foundation for whatever path I chose. I started in engineering before switching to dietetics, but I don’t regret it. Engineering taught me skills and perspectives I now carryinto my new degree, and each step has prepared me to move forward with confidence.

Yuqing (Tulip) Min, Bachelor of Nutrition / Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation student

At UNSW, Internal Program Transfer (IPT) is available to current undergraduate students*. IPT lets you move from one program to another within UNSW, without having to reapply through UAC. It is a free service for UNSW undergraduate students. Through IPT you may be able to credit some of your completed courses towards your new degree.

^{*IPT is only available for select programs, with eligibility criteria involved and limited places for the programs. Please see the IPT page for more details.}

Deciding what to study can feel overwhelming. By exploing your interests, learning about your study options and getting involved in student life, you'll be better equipped to choose a path that feels right for you. Your university experience is yours to shape and there's plenty of support at UNSW to guide your decision with confidence.