We know it. Choosing a university major is one of the most important decisions in student life. This process can be overwhelming, especially when you have a multitude of options and expectations to meet. And yes, if you are considering studying abroad, the decision can be even more complex, as it involves not only finding a career that you are passionate about, but also adapting to a new academic and cultural environment. That’s why we want to help you make it easy for you with these 10 tips on how to choose a university degree that will help you make this decision with clarity and confidence.

1. Get to know yourself

It seems like a simple thing, but we rarely take the time to really get to know each other. However, before choosing a career, it is crucial that you have a clear understanding of your interests, skills, and values. Ask yourself: What activities do I enjoy in my free time? What subjects am I good at? Which ones can’t I even see? What would I like to see change in the world? Identifying your strengths will help you find a career that not only motivates you, but also makes you stand out. Connecting it with what moves you personally will help you give it purpose.

Did you know that there is an academic advice and guidance service that helps you get to know yourself? At Plan Zero we have the Behavioral Analyst Certification to guide you towards the most appropriate path for you.

2. Research the available options

You can’t imagine how many times we come across students who don’t know about options that are guaranteed success for their profile. There are thousands of university courses and countless universities where you can take them, but not all of them are the same in terms of demand, fees or access requirements. Research the options that exist within the fields you are interested in and evaluate your options realistically.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, be sure to investigate how these courses are valued internationally, the admission deadlines and the procedures to be carried out. If you need help, don’t worry, we help you choose the best options for you in different destinations. Do you want to know how far you could go?

3. Consider your long-term goals

Studying is not an end, it is a beginning. Think about the kind of life you would like to have in 10 or 20 years. Would you like to work in a creative environment? Do you prefer a more technical profession? Ask yourself how a given career aligns with your personal and professional goals.

If you study abroad, it is also important to consider the opportunities that may arise from living and working in that country. For example, did you know that in Ireland there are companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, LinkedIn, Intel, Samsung, IBM, HP, Pfizer, Netflix, Paypal, Airbnb, Dropbox…? Being close to develop your professional career seems like a good option, right?

4. Talk to professionals in the area

Talking to people already working in the areas you’re interested in can give you a realistic view of what each career entails. Sometimes we have preconceived or idealized ideas about certain disciplines that are worth reviewing before making the final decision. If possible, look for internships or volunteer experiences to experience first-hand the demands of a career.

5. Value the impact of studying abroad

We do not always think about leaving our country to study when choosing a university degree. However, studying abroad will allow you to gain a global vision, improve your second language skills, and make international connections that will serve you forever.

This experience also involves facing cultural and academic challenges of great value. Research which foreign universities offer interesting programs in the career you like, analyze their study plans and review their access requirements. Does it seem too much to you? At Plan Zero we do it with you.

6. Take into account your natural skills and talents

If you are great at math, science, or have a knack for art or communication, these talents can guide you toward a career where you can take advantage of them. Use your natural abilities to make a decision more aligned with what you are good at to make your future easier.

Although it seems like no one knows you like you, sometimes an external assessment can help you discover these strengths objectively. If you want to try it, let us know!

7. Think about the lifestyle you want

Some careers offer more flexibility in terms of time and place of study, while others require dedication and presence. There are also more theoretical options and others with a more practical approach. In Holland, for example, universities are divided into two according to issues like these. For this reason, thinking about your lifestyle can help you decide which career and university is best for you.

8. Check rates and costs of living

Studying in Madrid or Barcelona is not the same as studying in Seville or Zamora, although all destinations have high-quality universities. Transportation and accommodation costs, to give two examples, can be very different. Likewise, it is not the same to study in the United States, the United Kingdom, Malta or Denmark. Both the cost of living and university fees can be a vital factor when choosing. And yes, studying abroad can be even cheaper than studying in Spain.

9. Listen to your emotions and don’t get carried away by external pressures

It is natural to receive opinions from family, friends and close people about what career to choose, but remember that it is your future that you are deciding. While it’s important to consider advice (we’re giving you some here), don’t forget to follow your passions and make decisions that make you feel good. Did you know that 1 in 4 Spaniards leave or change careers during the first year? Don’t get carried away by what you are expected to do and decide what really moves you. Four unforgettable years await you!

10. Keep an open mind

And if you change careers, it’s not a drama! You might change your mind in the future, and that’s okay. Universities offer flexible study programs, especially abroad, which will allow you to explore several areas before committing to a single discipline. In addition, there are pre-university plans that can help you decide better. Have you considered it?

Finishing high school and starting university seems like the only possible plan, but it is not like that. There are other ways to enter university with a more formed decision and extra preparation: discover the gap year, a period of a year or several months in which you can live an international experience and take the opportunity to take pre-university courses in which you explore various disciplines, improve your level of English and participate in the open days of the universities that interest you most.

🌟 Conclusion: Choose with confidence

Choosing a university major is an important decision, but not a dramatic one. Take the time to reflect on what you are truly passionate about and what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life, and rely on expert teams to guide you to make decisions with greater clarity.

If you decide to study abroad, the international experience will not only enrich your education, but it will also broaden your horizons and open doors to new opportunities. We hope that with these tips you are closer to making the right decision for your future!

👌 100% admission chances

But above all, don’t forget, if you want to study a university degree abroad there are many things to take into account. Many truly prepared profiles are left at the door due to not knowing how to deal with bureaucracy or simply forgetting a piece of paper, a date or not knowing all the options available according to their needs.

At Plan Zero we have been helping students on their path to study abroad for years with a 100% admission rate. Our success lies in our fully personalized process. We guide each student to choose the universities they like the most and also those with the best options.

Shall we start your plan? Contact without obligation.