University Degree

[KeenTeen17]

I was wondering what degree I should go into at University. I fancy getting a job in a career involving plants mostly but a ranger, zoo keeper, ecologist etc would be acceptable. I have been told by most Uni conventioners that a degree in botany itself is too specialised. I am interested in doing a broad geography degree as I find it very interesting. I plan to go to a University close to home (Lancaster Uni most likely) because of the accomodation costs and the fact that I like family life Is this the right way to go? I have been told geography would be a good subject because of the climate change / green religion nowadays.

Thanks

[Gill Catton]

There's loads of scope within ecological consultancy to do work with plants and survey for interesting plants and good botanists aren't that common (in my experiance) I did a degree in biology (which would also then give you scope to get into micro biology or genetic studies with plants which you might find interesting once studying and that might get you into dream jobs at places like Kew Gardens or the Eden project).

Otherwise a more ecology related subject would be good (I did biology specialising down into ecology).

I can't speak for geography but I expect there's plant related stuff there too?
In relation to staying at home it definately helps financially, but when I went to uni well away from home it properly opened my eyes to real life, I learnt to support myself, cook for myself, pay my own bills etc, and finally I was no longer the geekey one because most of the people I was studying with loved the subject too! I would also then recommend living away, your family will still be there and you will be dragging yourself home with a tonne of dirty washing every holiday anyway

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

In relation to staying at home it definately helps financially, but when I went to uni well away from home it properly opened my eyes to real life, I learnt to support myself, cook for myself, pay my own bills etc, and finally I was no longer the geekey one because most of the people I was studying with loved the subject too! I would also then recommend living away, your family will still be there and you will be dragging yourself home with a tonne of dirty washing every holiday anyway

I agree with Gill 110% there Jack. For me, the independence was the key factor. I was originally going to be going to UEA Norwich but my Mum convinced me to go further afield so I could live with others and experience real life. I moved 140 miles from home to Surrey! I met new people, had a new style of life and I got to go on some awesome forays with WAB members! It taught me how to look after myself and it taught me how to manage money, and even if you've got a Degree, you need these two things more.

Be ambitious, and just because you like family life, don't let the novelty of being mollycoddled take over- I can see you becoming quite an independent chap, and I'm sure whatever Degree that you do, you will be okay. I've done a year of Degree and it's not as bad as they make it out to be

Alot of people will say 'save yourself the debt and stay at home' but for me, the debt is nothing compared to living away from home and being self supportive. It's not a debt that is unacceptable to have, you're not judged on it, it doesn't show on credit rating. It put me off at first, but there's little point worrying about it- like a mortgage.

[Hedge Witch]

They are the best years of your life, KT. Just get together a group of friends and you're laughing.

Anyone who can come on here and take on the likes of Nick and the rest of them will have absolutely no problem fitting in. It is good to go a reasonable distance from home if you can, although Lancaster is near some stunning scenery and there are some great groups to join.

All the best with whatever you decide.

[KeenTeen17]

Originally Posted by Hedge Witch

They are the best years of your life, KT. Just get together a group of friends and you're laughing.

Anyone who can come on here and take on the likes of Nick and the rest of them will have absolutely no problem fitting in. It is good to go a reasonable distance from home if you can, although Lancaster is near some stunning scenery and there are some great groups to join.

All the best with whatever you decide.

yes Lancaster is just up the road. I would drive there every day maybe but theres also the University of Cumbria which is even more further afield and still relatively family travellable. I don't fancy going to a big city university because I just don't like people, hustle bustle and chavs in cities. I might even go up to a Uni in Scotland because its great up there and mum's friends son did an arborology degree (trees) and never wanted to come back

thanks for all the advice

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

yes Lancaster is just up the road. I would drive there every day maybe but theres also the University of Cumbria which is even more further afield and still relatively family travellable. I don't fancy going to a big city university because I just don't like people, hustle bustle and chavs in cities. I might even go up to a Uni in Scotland because its great up there and mum's friends son did an arborology degree (trees) and never wanted to come back

thanks for all the advice

Uni in Scotland sounds excellent! Note, not all Universities are in hustle and bustle cities! My Uni was in Farnham which is a small but beautiful market town of Surrey. Front of Uni was the high street, back of Uni was fields and trees!

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Alot of people will say 'save yourself the debt and stay at home' but for me, the debt is nothing compared to living away from home and being self supportive. It's not a debt that is unacceptable to have, you're not judged on it, it doesn't show on credit rating. It put me off at first, but there's little point worrying about it- like a mortgage.

Nah, don't worry about the debt - let your dad worry about it!
;^)

My eldest daughter spent money like water when she was at university and taking a couple of years out. On the advice of a financial adviser (who described her as a 'financial hooligan'), I took out a mortgage on the house to consolidate her debts. Fortunately it all worked out as she qualified in law, and paid it off working in a City law firm on an obscene salary.

Jim

[pammosley]

My son goes to Birmingham uni, studying Environmental science. He lives at home. He manages to be independant (though I still do his washing!) & works part time to earn money. We discussed which uni & the only one he wanted to go to was Brum We are happy thinking that he will not have as much debt hanging over him as some other students...........so is he!
Have a good look around the different Universities & courses. Whichever you choose I wish you all the best. With your enthusiasm you wil go far

[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

I was wondering what degree I should go into at University. I fancy getting a job in a career involving plants mostly but a ranger, zoo keeper, ecologist etc would be acceptable. I have been told by most Uni conventioners that a degree in botany itself is too specialised. I am interested in doing a broad geography degree as I find it very interesting. I plan to go to a University close to home (Lancaster Uni most likely) because of the accomodation costs and the fact that I like family life Is this the right way to go? I have been told geography would be a good subject because of the climate change / green religion nowadays.

Thanks

KT, if you are particularily interested in plants, I would look into the environmental degrees and aim towards a career in conservation more than consultancy. I say this because the scope for working with plants, i.e. prescribing managment programmes, habitat creation such as meadows, glades ect would fall into this sector more than consultancy. I also say this because you have stated a ranger, zoo keeper or ecologist would do, i dont want to be dismissive, but there are a lot of people in ecology who frankly, have dropped into it without having the genuine passion, I dont want to discourage you in anyway, just want you to consider what you want to do as apposed to what may be a more mainstream option without fulfilling your passion for plants and also consider the context you wish to work with plants as this may be cultivation/horticulture, conservation and habitat creation, identification etc etc. This should help define the career path and the degree you wish to take.

Good luck with your studies and all the best.

[JennyS]

If your passion is for plants follow it!
As Gill said there aren't too many good botantists around, maybe partly because those interested get advised to seek more 'mainstream' courses......and there's a need for them!

Good luck with it all