There are so many subjects to choose from when you get to uni, it can be pretty overwhelming.

I mean, sure, African Drumming or Australia In The Wine World sound like cool electives, but have you ever looked into the advantages of studying a language?

I’m about to complete my major in Italian and I can honestly say studying a language at uni is the best thing I chose to do. Not only is knowing a second language just a really cool life skill to have, it can seriously enhance your university experience.

Here are four reasons why I think studying a language is beneficial – but don’t just take my word for it, give it a crack yourself.

#1 The Classes Are Smaller

If you’re doing a general degree such as Arts or Science, you’ll be used to sitting in lecture theatres with hundreds of other students. Odds are you won’t know who you’re sitting next to, and for the following 12 weeks you’ll probably never sit next to the same people twice.

The first major advantage of studying a language is the small class sizes. I’m talking up to 30 people for lectures and less for tutes. Not only is the learning experience more hands on, and your lecturer will actually know your name (crazy, isn’t it?), but you’ll feel like you’re actually a part of something. Naw.

Oh, and when you study a language you get to watch movies. Lots of movies.

#2 You’ll Actually Make Friends

When you’re majoring in a language, the subjects you study for the next three years of your degree are pretty much laid out for you. You’ve got a few electives to choose from, but odds are you’ll be studying the same core subjects with the same people for the duration of your degree.

If you’re the type of uni student who just doesn’t get around those big uni party events and doesn’t get drunk every second lunchtime on the beautifully lush lawn, studying a language can be a great way to branch out and make some friends.

You’re all in it together and by the end, you can converse in more than one language. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

#3 You Get To Immerse Yourself In Another Culture

We all know how life changing study abroad/exchange programs are.

But do you want to stand out from the crowds of Aussie students heading to Canada, the US and the UK for their exchange trips? By studying a language, you can study in a country and speak the local language. Studying Italian? See ya in Rome. German your thing? Catch ya in Berlin.

There’s no better way to learn a language than by actually immersing yourself in that culture. So jump on-board the exchange bandwagon, and do it in style.

#4 A Language Looks Great On Your Resume

Did you know that having a second language on your resume could make it easier for you to land a job?

And yep, I’ve got research to back it up. According to this British survey: “Employers place a premium on the ability to communicate conversationally in a foreign language.” Conversationally. You don’t even have to be fluent in your second language to get the job! Just being able to converse in another language will certainly put you ahead of the pack when applying for those graduate jobs.

What’ve you got to lose?

Sean is a freelance journalist from Melbourne who’s biggest achievement to date was being published in The Guardian Australia. Currently studying and making radio stuff for SYN, Sean hopes to work his way into the media industry one way or another. 

(Lead image: The Simpsons/FOX)