your degree ain't worth the paper it's printed on
"You got a third? It's not even worth the paper it's printed on!"
My ex didn't hold back when it came to telling me how much I'd messed up with my degree, in the UK, a third is essentially the worst passing grade you can get, and I managed it.
I'm not intending to make excuses, it was my own fault but the sad part about it is that she was absolutely right. I studied Graphic Design and in the 17 years since, I've never once been asked about my degree or whether I even had one.
Now, I'm sure some of you will read that and say well, why bother studying Graphic Design at University if nobody will care if I get a degree? Here's the thing, if you're studying Graphic Design (or most creative subjects I believe), you're not doing it to gain the degree.
Yes, you heard me... You're not doing it for the degree. You're doing it for the ability to experiment, to build a network and to utilise the knowledge of your tutors.
They were all things that I did not do and it's the only thing I regret about my time at University.
If I want to start using different media or attempting new techniques or even if I want to collaborate with anyone, it's so much more difficult now than it would have been at University.
But not only that, but had I done those things, my grades would have immediately been better anyway... Who'd have thought that eh?
So no, this isn't me telling you not to go to University, it's me telling you that if you decide to go, make sure you make the most of the experience rather than focusing on the grades, because the grades don't matter... The experience you gain, connections you make and understanding of different techniques and practices? That will be invaluable.