How to choose what to study? It's a big decision, which is why we've put together some tips for you who are planning to study!

How to choose what to study

Choosing what you want to study may seem like a daunting thing to take on. And it is a big decision; in any case, you'll spend some years of your life first studying and then perhaps working a job related to your field of study. Gut feeling is important, but when you're making a big decision like this, it usually helps to have a few good questions to help you come to your decision. We've gathered here 5 questions to ask yourself when you are choosing what you want to study. Read them through - we hope you'll find them useful!

1. What do I want to do and be when I grow up?

You were probably asked this when you were a kid, but you are now at a point in your life where you can actually really start to think about this. It may well be that you've had a dream job for years now, but it may just as well be that you are thinking about this seriously for the first time now. Ask yourself what you want to do and what kind of a person you strive to be, when you are done with your studies. What is meaningful and important to you? What drives you? Where do you see yourself at? Even though this may seem like a final decision, it doesn't have to be one. You've got plenty of time to figure out what you want to do, and change your mind many a times along the way as well. 

2. When does time fly by?
What interests you and why? What is it that makes the time fly by and motivates you to do your very best? It may help to write down what gets you going and keeps you focused for a good while. Seeing it concretely on a piece of paper or in your notes on your phone makes it easier to see, if there's a common theme in your subjects of interest that could point to a field of study.

3. How long can I sit still?
How important is physical activity to you during the work day? Do you prefer to sit in front of a screen or do you dream of a future workplace outdoors? Or maybe something with a bit of both? If you have no idea what you want to be, thinking about your own preferences in everyday working set ups like this can really give you a clue as to what field of study might suit you.

4. Who am I most looking up to?
Is there someone you look at and think "That person is totally awesome" / "I wish I was as good as this person at this" / "That person really has the dream job"? How did the person get where they today and what do you have to do to get there? Getting to know the work and study history of someone you look up to can help you figure out if that is something you want to do as well, and what you need to do to get there. 

5. Am I ready for this?
Whether you are applying to study straight from high school or are in your third year off, this is your choice, and only yours. You may want some more time to think and figure things out, or feel like you need some advice or even someone just to make the choice for you. But ultimately you will come to the decision on your own. Here are a few tips for you, who are really stressed:

You can never know if a field of study is 100% right for you before you try. Parents, friends and others just want the best for you, but keep in mind that this is your future and thus your choice. You are not alone in feeling that everyone else knows exactly what they want to be, while you are still whirling around in the fog. 

Take time to browse different options. Use a study search portal and go through the fields of study that sparkle your interest. Put everything that seems a bit interesting in a list and bring it up in a few days - do the choices still seem interesting? 

Do research! You don't want to miss applying to your dream studies just because you didn't know it existed in the first place. Set aside time and explore all the opportunities you can find. Can't find a field of study that would tick all the boxes for you? Try looking for a degree abroad - you don't necessarily have to study your degree in your home country. And don't forget: The choice you make does not limit your opportunities later in life. You will always be able to build on the foundation you set today and it is also no shame to turn around and start over with something entirely different.