Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
There are still two more years until graduation and yet, not a day goes by without the mention of university.
Just last week, we had our annual UK university exhibition at school to get us thinking seriously about our future.
The hall was milling with bemused teenagers making their way from one table to the other, piled high with stacks of university prospectuses.
Standing in the midst of the haphazard crowd, the atmosphere seemed electric and compressing at the same time. The reality of the situation was dawning; how life-changing this decision was going to be. A frightening yet incredibly exciting experience awaits us.
As each student was in a dilemma over the choices on offer, each university representative, in turn, was more eager than the last to rave about their institutions, claiming that they were the best.
Over the years, universities have come to define themselves by their campuses as well as the courses that they offer. They take pride in showing you around their majestic tennis courts, well manicured lawns and their Olympic- sized swimming pools.
During the exhibition, I noticed a couple of students eagerly gathering around certain tables, carefully listening to suited officials talking about their campuses in vivid detail.
What surprised me was the fact that some students were picking universities solely on the basis of their extravagant surroundings, with no regard to the courses offered or quality of education.
University may seem daunting but it's a hurdle we're bound to jump over. Make wise decisions.
Choosing universities can be a difficult task but making choices with your eyes closed is not an option.
Chalk out what you want to do in your life. Research the universities that offer the course you want. Look up the requirements that each university draws up.
In today's world, the university you attend defines you. It is the ticket to success, a good job and a good future.
So pull up your socks and straighten those ties. It's time you start working for your future.
