Few subjects are as important in university as students’ writing. From application letters to job applications to term papers, every single piece of writing is an opportunity to show the world what you’re capable of.
Creative writing isn’t just about putting words together. It’s about utilizing the skills you’ve gained in your studies to tell a story. And what better way to learn about storytelling than through examples such as Shakespeare’s plays?
In this article, we’ll tell you why creative writing is so important for students, and how you can use it to best effect.
Why Should You Study Creative Writing?
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re a student yourself and are therefore aware of the many demands that being at university places on your time. But maybe you weren’t fully aware of how much creative writing is required of you as a student. Here’s a list of reasons why you should study it:
It’s Important for Getting To Know Your University Study Abroad
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware that you’ll be studying at university next year. You’ll be joining thousands of other students from around the world, all of whom are keen to explore new places and make new friends. There’s no question that being a student at university is one of the most exciting things you can do for your future. But it can also be one of the most challenging. Your studies may introduce you to new ways of thinking and new ideas, and you may learn more in your first year of university than you have in your entire life previously. The opportunity to study abroad is certainly one of the main attractions of university studies. But it’s important to remember that being a student at university means you’ll have a lot more writing to do. In order to make the most of this fascinating opportunity, you may find it beneficial to study a language that’s commonly studied abroad. Of course, you don’t need to limit yourself to just one language; you could take a year off and study a second language while you’re there. The more languages you know, the more opportunities you have to study abroad. Just remember that you’ll need to do a lot of reading and writing in order to make sure you don’t struggle when you get there. Otherwise, you may find that you’re not able to engage with the locals or study the material in the way you’re used to. The language barrier can sometimes be a major stumbling block for first-time travellers to a foreign country. If you’re looking for an opportunity to study abroad, but are worried about the additional workload, then consider applying for an Erasmus+ exchange program. With an Erasmus+ exchange program, you’ll get to study at a high school or university in another country. This can give you an insight into how different people learn and how much you’ll need to commit to memorizing language.
It Helps Build Your General Intelligence
Let’s face facts – we live in a world full of challenges. Life can sometimes feel like a struggle. There are so many ups and downs, and it’s often difficult to see how everything works out in the end. Through creative writing, you’ll get the opportunity to explore different perspectives and gain a new understanding of life. In order to do this, you’ll have to put yourself in the shoes of a character that is very different from you. Whether it’s through the eyes of a child, an old man, or a dog – you’ll get the opportunity to explore what it means to be alive in a whole new way. It can help build your general intelligence – the mental ability to understand and analyze situations. What’s more is that doing creative writing exercises can improve your memory. Just like writing songs improves your musicianship, creative writing exercises can improve your writing skill. Last but not least, creative writing is an excellent way to develop your imagination – the power of creating fictional characters and worlds that seem real.
It Gives You More Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the most important factors when it comes to being a successful adult. After years of school, you’ll likely face a world of uncertainty in your job search. The global pandemic has changed the recruitment landscape forever; many roles are now being done remotely. The traditional 9-5 office job isn’t something you can depend on any longer – many people are now freelancing or temporarily working from home. It makes sense then, that you’d want to find a job that allows you to be adaptable and makes use of your talents. If you have a natural skill that can be used in a number of different ways, such as communication, writing, or public speaking, then you can start your job search with a much clearer idea of what roles you’re likely to be suited to. The more you know, the more opportunities you’ll have – and that’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on.
It Makes You More Confident
Writing is often seen as a “girl thing” – you’re either told that you have a natural talent for writing or that you should pursue it as a career. There’s a common misconception that writing is somehow a vulnerable activity. In reality, writing is one of the most powerful tools you have. It gives you the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and opinions on any given topic. What’s more is that you’re not alone in this world – people have been telling stories for centuries and will continue to do so for centuries to come.
When you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, you’re engaging with the most fundamental human need: to connect with someone about something we both care about. When you write something that you care about, it forces you to think clearly about your topic and consider all perspectives. By engaging with the process of writing, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to develop confidence. When you write, you’re not only expressing an idea or thought, you’re actually making it happen – you’re putting it down on paper, which is a tangible and sometimes measurable thing. This gives you a boost of confidence that you couldn’t get from simply talking about your work.
It Helps You Find That Perfect Course
Finding the right course at university is a daunting task – it’s not just about choosing a subject you find interesting, but choosing a course that will give you the best opportunity to achieve your goals. A lot of students will tell you that figuring out what course to take at university is one of the most stressful parts of being a student. There are so many options and it’s hard to know where to start. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, why not start by choosing a subject you find interesting, but also look at what other students are doing and consider what will be the most helpful to you in achieving your goals. When you write about your experiences, you’ll have to consider what other people want and need. It’s a skill that will serve you well in later life – when you’re looking for a new job, your potential employer will be going through your resume, so you need to make sure you stand out. One way to do this is by including a story about yourself – this could be an interesting talking point if you’re applying for a job in creative writing, for example – and demonstrating that you think outside of the box. If you’ve kept a diary all through your teen years, you can show how you’ve changed through the years – both in terms of your personality and your view of the world. What’s more is that a lot of creative writing courses will encourage you to do original writing. Even if you don’t have any previous writing experience, you can put your experiences down on paper in a way that will engage the reader.
Whether you choose to study English literature or Creative Writing, being at university will not only push you out of your comfort zone, it will also expose you to new ideas and new ways of looking at things. You’re not only building your future, you’re also contributing to the great body of work that will continue to shape the world we live in.