Do Sims Go to College in Sims 4? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Sims can absolutely go to college in The Sims 4, thanks to the Discover University expansion pack. This pack introduces a robust and engaging university system, allowing your Sims to further their education and gain valuable skills and career advantages. Sims can enroll in various degree programs, attend classes, complete coursework, and experience all the ups and downs of university life. From choosing a major to pulling all-nighters to throwing (or attending!) raucous parties, the university experience in The Sims 4 adds a significant layer of depth and realism to the gameplay. This article dives deep into how university works, offering a comprehensive look at everything you need to know to send your Sims to higher education.
How University Works in The Sims 4
The college experience in The Sims 4 is far from a passive event; it requires active participation and planning. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Applying and Enrolling
First, a Young Adult or older Sim must apply to university using a computer. They can choose to apply to either the University of Britechester or the Foxbury Institute, each with its distinct culture and curriculum. Your Sim’s application will be considered for all degree subjects at both institutions. Once accepted, you’ll receive a notification, and the next step is enrollment. You can enroll via the computer, mailbox, or cell phone. At this point, you’ll select a degree program, choose classes, decide on your lodging (dorms or off-campus housing), and pay for the semester.
Degree Programs & Classes
Each degree program requires 12 credits, earned through successful completion of classes. Sims can take between one and four classes per semester. They’ll attend lectures, complete homework assignments, and even work on term papers and presentations. The chosen major will heavily influence the career options available to the Sim after graduation, offering distinct advantages and perks. Degrees include fields like biology, computer science, art history, and even more unconventional ones like villainy!
Semester Structure and Time Commitment
A semester in The Sims 4 lasts five Sim working days. This means that a degree requiring 12 credits can be finished in as little as three Sim weeks, provided your Sim is taking the maximum of four courses per semester. Managing time is essential as students juggle their class schedules, studying, social lives, and, if they choose, a part-time job.
Living Arrangements
Sims can choose to live in university dorms or find their own off-campus housing. Dorm life offers a traditional college experience with shared living spaces, common rooms, and often boisterous roommates. Off-campus housing provides more independence but requires the Sim to manage their own household while balancing university.
University Perks & Benefits
Attending university in The Sims 4 isn’t just about the educational experience. Upon graduation, Sims unlock several career benefits. These include higher starting salaries, faster promotions, increased vacation days, and sometimes even a signing bonus when embarking on a career related to their degree. The more time and effort spent on academics, the greater the reward, creating a fulfilling and engaging gameplay experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About University in The Sims 4
Here are some of the most common questions about attending university in The Sims 4:
1. Why Can’t My Sim Enroll in University?
There are a few reasons why your Sim might be unable to enroll in university. A known glitch prevents Sims from re-enrolling if they were previously part of a household that went to college, or if they graduated autonomously as a premade family. Make sure your Sim is a Young Adult or older. Teenage Sims cannot apply until the last week of their teen life stage. Also, be sure your Sim is using the computer to apply and isn’t trying to enroll through the mailbox before they’ve been accepted.
2. Can Sims Work and Go to University?
Yes, Sims can work while attending university. However, it’s crucial to choose a job with a flexible schedule that won’t interfere with class times. Managing a full-time job and a full course load can be difficult, so many players opt for part-time positions or temporary jobs.
3. How Long Does it Take to Finish College?
A degree can be completed in as few as three Sim weeks, provided your Sim takes four classes each semester and passes all of them. Taking fewer classes per semester will extend the duration of your Sim’s college career.
4. What is the Maximum Number of Classes a Sim Can Take Per Semester?
Sims can take a maximum of four classes per semester.
5. What is the Minimum Number of Classes a Sim Can Take Per Semester?
Sims can take a minimum of one class per semester.
6. Why Can’t My Sim Move into University Housing?
Dorms are only available to Sims once they are enrolled in university. You’ll need to find temporary accommodation and then go through the process of applying, getting accepted, and then choosing a dorm when you enroll.
7. How Do You Get a Valedictorian?
To become a valedictorian, your Sim needs to: be a straight-A student, study for exams, complete all homework, do extra credit homework, and attend all classes. Consistent effort is key to achieving the highest academic accolade.
8. Can Sims Go to Parties at University?
Yes, university life wouldn’t be complete without parties. There’s a bar in Britechester with student discounts, and Sims can also throw their own keg parties at their dorms or university housing.
9. How Do You Apply to University?
You apply by using a computer and selecting ‘University > Apply to Universities’. Your application will automatically be considered for all programs at both universities.
10. Is University Worth It in The Sims 4?
Many players agree that university is worth it. It adds significant depth to the game with its distinct gameplay mechanics, social opportunities, and career benefits, even allowing older sims a second chance at learning new skills.
11. What Age Can Sims Go To College?
Any Sim that is a Young Adult or older can apply and attend university. Older Sims can even go back to school for a new degree.
12. Do Sims Graduate High School in The Sims 4?
Yes, Sims do graduate high school, but only once they’ve aged up to a Young Adult. A graduation notification will pop up once the aging process is complete.
13. Can Sims Graduate High School Early?
Yes, teen Sims with an overall grade of A or above can graduate early. Players must focus on attending classes and raising their grades to reach this achievement.
14. What Are the Different Universities to Choose From?
Sims can choose to attend either the University of Britechester, known for its arts programs, or the Foxbury Institute, which specializes in technology and science.
15. What Benefits Does University Provide After Graduation?
Graduating provides numerous career benefits such as higher pay, faster promotions, more vacation days, and signing bonuses if you pursue a career related to your degree. This makes university a worthwhile investment for any Sim looking to advance in their chosen profession.
In conclusion, the university system in The Sims 4 is a richly detailed and engaging feature that adds a whole new dimension to the game. With careful planning, strategic choices, and dedicated study habits, your Sims can achieve their academic goals, unlock new career opportunities, and ultimately, enhance their life’s narrative. Sending your Sims to college is more than just another task to check off the list; it’s a rewarding journey full of growth, friendships, and the occasional all-nighter.