ONE of the unexpected results of the current recession has been to reduce the appeal of going to university, just at a time when the Government was targeting all young people.

In a recent survey, only one third of graduates had been recruited into their first choice of career. Many graduates are happy with any job, with only part-time work and volunteering seeing an increase.

All this after three or four years of hard work and study, made even harder by a mountain of debt, thanks to loans and fees. It used to be the case that graduates could look forward to much higher earnings than non graduates over a lifetime of work — but this is definitely not the case for 2009 graduates.

However, university remains a very good option for many young people. Sixth formers are still looking forward to starting their courses in September, and undergraduates coming back to school tell me that they would still apply for university given their time again.

The lasting appeal of university goes beyond the widening of career choice. One feature of university life that appeals to many students is the intellectual challenge — the chance to study your favourite area in great depth and quality.

Secondly, university gives a unique chance to develop an independent lifestyle. Whether it's cooking your meals, planning your social life, or arranging your finances there will never be a time like it.

Finally, universities are real communities with their own sense of style, ethos and friendship. Most universities start their term with a freshers' fair, when a whole alphabet of opportunities — from abseiling to yachting — are laid out for new undergraduates. University gives a chance to try something different.

So, despite the economic gloom, it's still worth considering a degree course at an English university. There has been a great expansion in the number of colleges offering degree courses, as well as real changes to the subjects you can study. Vocational degrees, with work experience and training included, offer a real alternative.

Exeter College has pioneered this new type of foundation degree, and offers a superb range of courses.

Find out more about more flexible degrees with a local college or from the Open University — and keep smiling!