The Sims 4: Discover University is the perfect way to broaden your Sims' horizons and give them an immersive collage experience. Released on November 15, 2019, Discover University is the eighth expansion pack of The Sims 4 franchise. The primary feature of this expansion pack is set in the new world, Britechester, and allows Sims to experience campus life to the fullest. In this expansion pack, players can choose to enroll in either Foxbury Institute or the University of Britechester, each with its unique academic focus and style. The game also features new skills, careers, and items that are tailored to the university experience, as well as student clubs, student housing, and much more.
The Sims 4: Discover University provides players with a captivating and interactive experience to delve into the thrills and obstacles of university life. It is similar in concept to The Sims 2: University and The Sims 3: University Life, and this expansion pack offers the first university-themed experience that enables Sims to attend college away from home, and even permits non-student Sims to visit and reside in the university world.
Sources for this article and its images include EA.com and SimsCommunity.com .
Everything New In A Nutshell
- University and Degrees
- New World: Britechester
- New Careers and After-school Activities: (Law, Education, Engineer, E-Sports Competitor, Soccer Team Player)
- Roommates
- Student Organizations
- New Skills (Research & Debate, Robotics)
- New Life State: Servo
- New Aspiration: Academic (Knowledge)
- New Lot Traits and Lot Assignments
- New CAS, Build/Buy Items
University Related Activities
Young adults and older Sims have the option to enroll in either Foxbury Institute or The University of Britechester. If players own High School Years and have a Sim who graduated from high school early, they can also apply for universities as a Teen. Both institutions offer different academic focuses, meaning that they have differences in distinguished degrees, so players must choose wisely to ensure their Sims are on the right track for their desired career path. Enrolling in the University is quite simple and can be done via computer. Sims can apply for grants, and the outcome of the application and university acceptance notifications both arrive within a couple of days.
Once enrolled, players must attend classes and complete assignments to advance through their chosen academic program. Classes usually require homework to be done, as well as a term paper, a presentation, and exams at the end of the term. Completing assignments and attending classes successfully will help players increase their Sims' skills and academic performance. Sims can also participate in extracurricular activities, such as organizations and after-school activities, to further enhance their university experience and develop new skills.
Degrees
The main aspect of this pack is the ability to earn degrees. There are a total of 13 different degrees that can be pursued by Sims at either The University of Britechester or Foxbury Institute. Each campus has a specialty in specific majors, referred to as "distinguished degrees". Normal degrees are open to all Sims, however, distinguished degrees have specific skill requirements for enrollment. Having a diploma from a Distinguished Degree will further boost the Sim when selecting a career, and they will be able to start from a higher promotion level than before. Generally, The University of Britechester specializes in distinguished degrees that focus on what would be considered more art-focused and academic:
- Art History
- Communications
- Culinary Arts
- Drama
- Fine Art
- History
- Language and Literature
Foxbury Institute on the other hand is known for its modern style and distinguished degrees that are closer to more analytic and hands-on degrees:
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Villainy
Sims are allowed to enroll in up to four classes per semester for each degree. If they choose to take fewer than three classes, they have the option to take an elective class that focuses on a skill not covered in their degree program. Sims who have already reached the maximum level of their major-specific skills can benefit from taking elective courses in order to gain additional skills. In order to receive a degree, Sims are required to complete 12 courses, regardless of whether they are elective or main courses. Generally, it will take three semesters – each roughly one sim week long – for Sims to graduate. Once a semester is finished, the game will prompt them to enroll for the next semester, however, Sims are also allowed to take breaks in between. Each full-time career the game offers is linked to at least one specific degree. However, it is important to note that not all branches within a career are eligible to benefit from the same degree, and some branches simply do not benefit from any university degree.
Britechester
The Sims 4: Discover University Expansion Pack features both of the two college campuses as the focal point of the university experience, within the new world called Britechester which has thirteen lots for Sims to explore. Inspired by iconic universities, Foxbury Institute is a combination of the features and architecture of Stanford University in California and MIT in Massachusetts. Similarly, the University of Britechester resembles the prestigious Oxford University in England, capturing its essence and incorporating its classic design. These two colleges provide players with a unique and authentic university experience, offering the opportunity to explore different academic environments and cultures.
In Britechester, Sims can participate in a variety of activities, both on and off campus. They can attend classes and study for exams, interact with other students and faculty, explore the city, and engage in fun leisure activities. Players can visit the university campus areas for both universities, which primarily include the dormitories and common areas where campus-specific activities take place. Additionally, there are several lots such as a bar and library that Sims can visit. For Sims who are not interested in living in dormitories but still would like to live in Britechester, there are 3 residential lots.
New Careers
The Sims 4: Discover University Expansion Pack is designed to provide players with a comprehensive university experience that encompasses education and career opportunities. In line with this theme, the pack introduces three new full-time careers - Law, Education, and Engineering. While they are not different from many other full-time careers in terms of gameplay concept, with their specific branches, these careers offer unique paths for Sims to follow, each with its own set of daily tasks, rewards, and requirements.
Law Career
The Law career is one of the new careers introduced in the expansion pack. It is a full-time career that offers Sims the opportunity to work in the legal field The Law career is split into two branches: the Judge branch and the Private Attorney branch. As this career is not an active career, however, there are not many difficult tasks.
The Judge branch requires high Logic as well as Research and Debate skills, as daily tasks include making rulings. While this career may be considered quite mundane, the rewards for this branch include high pay and various objects, and some exclusive interactions.
The Private Attorney branch involves working as a private attorney and offers a different experience with a focus on social interactions and charisma. The daily tasks include getting new clients and providing legal representation. To get promotions in the Private Attorney branch, Sims need to improve their Charisma and Research and Debate skills. This branch provides a more social experience, making it appealing to players who enjoy engaging with others.
Education Career
The Education Career is a notable addition to The Sims 4 Discover University expansion pack. It offers players the opportunity to experience the life of an educator, with two distinct branches to choose from - Administrative and Professor. This career requires a significant investment in Research and Debate skill, as it is the primary Skill required for promotion in both branches. Similarly to the Law career, the choice between the two branches should depend on whether they prefer Charisma or Logic skill, as the salary and the rewards are rather similar.
The Professor branch requires mastery of Logic and also Research and Debate skills. Although this career path may appear to be routine, it offers substantial rewards. The primary focus of this branch is on imparting knowledge and advancing as a tenured professor. Professors have the ability to enhance their logic by "Plan Lecture" interaction on the computer and giving "Prepared to Teach" moodlet. The Daily Tasks in this branch typically involve writing scholarly papers.
The Administrative branch of the Education Career places an emphasis on Charisma, as well as Research and Debate skills, distinguishing it from the Professor branch. As a work-from-home career, much of an Administrator's tasks will involve utilizing the computer to perform functions such as reviewing budget proposals, planning agendas, and writing recommendation letters. Interactions such as planning an agenda and creating a lesson plan boost confidence and logic, respectively, while several other computer-based tasks increase Research and Debate skills.
Engineer Career
Engineering stands out as a career that offers more functional rewards to those who pursue it than the other two included in the pack. Engineer Career branches into two paths - Computer Engineer and Mechanical Engineer. This career is distinct in that it focuses on the Robotics skill, setting it apart from the Law and Education careers which emphasize the Research and Debate skill.
As a Computer Engineer, Sims will hone their skills in Programming Skill and have the opportunity to craft the reward of Computer Glasses. These glasses provide Sims with the convenience of performing minor computing tasks at any time, anywhere. They also offer the ability to scan other Sims' moods, traits, and emotions. The Computer Glasses can also enhance emotional manipulation abilities, allowing Sims to get a specific moodlet, such as being Focused with more convenience.
The Mechanical Engineering branch offers two functional rewards for Sims who reach levels 8 and 9 respectively. First, Sims will receive the ExoMech Suit which grants the Bionic Body buff, providing a boost to Fitness and Handiness skills. However, this may not be the best choice for those who want to use the Mechanical Arm Cybernetics that the Robotics skill unlocks, as the ExoMech Suit prevents the use of this object. Secondly, Sims will receive the ExoMech Helmet, which provides a permanent Focused boost and hidden bonuses to Logic and Robotics skills when used.
New Afterschool Activities
Discover University introduces two new after-school activities for Sims to pursue - E-Sport Competitor and Soccer Team Player. Both of these activities are university student-exclusive after-school activities that can be joined via phone, computer, or the career tab, and via UBrite Arena.
E-sports Competitor requires Video Gaming and Charisma skills. Sims can receive a grant to become an E-sports competitor and be automatically enrolled in the activity, or they risk losing the grant. Although after-school activities are not typically paid, this activity offers the opportunity to earn money through tournament winnings. Sims can also participate in the activity from the comfort of their own home as long as it is not on a tournament day. Sims who reach the highest level, Level 4, in the E-Sport Competitor will receive a career boost in the Tech Guru career, allowing them to start at Level 5.
Being a Soccer Team Player is more challenging, as it requires both Fitness and Logic skills, as well as building relationships with teammates. To reach the top, Sims must be successful in winning soccer games, which requires them to study plays and read the playbook. Upon reaching Level 4 as a Soccer Team Player, Sims will receive a career boost and have the opportunity to start as a Professional Athlete in the Athlete career path.
Roommates
Discover University brings back the beloved roommate feature, further immersing players in the college life experience. Sims can automatically fill university housing with roommates, as long as there are enough beds available, or they can choose to rent out their homes or apartments to roommates by placing an ad on their computer or phone. This can be done in any world, regardless of whether the Sim is a university student or not, with roommates sharing a portion of the rent. A total of ten Sims can reside on a single lot, including both the playable household and the roommates.
Potential roommates will visit the lot randomly throughout the day or the following day if the ad was placed at night. Sims can interact with them and choose to accept or reject them as roommates. Once all the beds are filled, the ad will be taken down automatically, but it can also be removed manually. Each roommate is assigned a hidden "archetype" that influences their behavior. Playable Sims can reprimand their roommates for any inappropriate behavior and can dismiss them at any time.
Roommates are uncontrolled NPCs that will take care of their own needs without player intervention, making them a great addition for players who enjoy controlling one Sim while still having multiple Sims in the household. When the playable household visits a community lot, roommates might occasionally tag along. In general, they will leave the lot at various times throughout the day for work or visit other lots.
Student Organizations
Student Organizations in The Sims 4: Discover University offer Sims a variety of ways to get involved in college life and make new friends. These pre-made social groups allow Sims to join and participate in various events and activities hosted by the organization. Each organization is unique, with its own set of purposes and events. Joining an organization is easy, simply by speaking with one of its members during the next event they are hosting.
There are six public organizations that Sims can enroll in, which cater to different interests such as art, academics, and robotics. Three of these are for the Foxbury Institute, namely, The Brainiacs, Bot Savants, and Foxbury Spirit Squad. The other three offered by the University of Britechester are the Art Society, The Debate Guild, and Britechester Spirit Corps. These organizations allow Sims to participate in events and meet up with members, which is perfect for making new friends.
In addition to the public organizations, there is also a hidden seventh organization known as the Secret Society. This exclusive organization is shrouded in mystery and requires a special invitation to join, which requires some steps. It offers Sims the chance to participate in exclusive events and gain special rewards based on their ranking in the organization.
Research & Debate Skill
Rewritten: Research & Debate is a comprehensive skill that maxes out at level 10 and focuses on acquiring information and using it in debates or to influence others. It is straightforward to learn and can be honed using the Research Archive Machine for researching various topics and practicing debates in front of a mirror. Pursuing this skill is highly recommended, as many university degrees demand a high proficiency in Research & Debate, making it easier and more efficient to complete coursework.
Even without enrolling in university, this skill can be extremely useful. As Sims advance through the levels, they will be able to convince others to perform actions such as cleaning, cooking, or even getting a raise from their boss. Additionally, their reading speed will improve, and they'll earn more skill points from reading books. Sims can also earn some Simoleons through this skill by contributing to knowledge on research machines, and participating in professional debates or commentaries at the debate podium, which can also result in fame if players own The Sims 4: Get Famous.
Robotics Skill
The Robotics skill is the other new skill in this expansion, enabling players to create and operate robots and other handy mechanical devices, including the beloved Servo. This skill has a maximum level of 10 and as it grows, more objects become craftable.
Sims who are eager to build and innovate can improve their Robotics skill by reading a book or the Robotics Workstation, though it may be an initial investment. However, it's a worthwhile investment as Sims can sell their creations for a profit. Players should be cautious as the skill comes with its dangers, such as the risk of electrical shock, which can even result in death. Getting shocked by the machine will result in the dazed moodlet, but continued use without caution can lead to a fatal outcome.
Servo
Servo is a unique life state in The Sims 4 that can be created using the Robotics skill. This bot acts as a helpful household member, capable of performing tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and repairing objects, much like a butler. Players can customize Servo's appearance and personality traits, including assigning a name and gender, to match their preferences. The behavior module enhancements allow players to instruct Servo to perform specific tasks, and Sims can also interact with the bot to build a relationship.
It's important to note that Servo has its own unique needs, including Fun, Social, Durability, and Charge. While the Fun and Social needs work similarly to normal Sims, Durability, and Charge are unique to Servo. Charge acts similarly to Energy and is gained through similar actions. Servos also require regular tune-ups to maintain their durability and prevent breakdowns. Servos that have reached a level 3 enhancement or higher have the ability to perform self-tuning. Despite its limitations, Servo adds a new level of immersion and gameplay to The Sims 4 and is a valuable addition to any household. Technology and automation enthusiasts will particularly enjoy creating and managing their very own Servo.
Academic Aspiration
The Academic Aspiration in The Sims 4: Discover University expansion pack offers players the opportunity to guide their Sim towards a life focused on education. This aspiration is focused on gaining new knowledge, excelling academically, and experiencing all that university life has to offer. The aspiration is divided into several steps, each with a unique objective to achieve. These steps require a high Research and Debate skill and involve enrolling in university, earning good grades, graduating, and more. While it is a time-consuming aspiration, with a minimum graduation time of 3 Sim weeks, it can also be highly rewarding for making more money.
The Higher Education Reward Trait is a valuable asset for Sims who want to earn more money from academic tasks, both after graduation and while pursuing additional degrees. This trait helps your Sim maximize their earnings from writing papers and contributing knowledge, making it a great source of additional income to complement their regular career.
New Lot Traits And Lot Assignments
The Sims 4: Discover University expansion pack introduces two new lot traits, Study Spot and University Hangout. Study Spot is a highly recommended lot trait that benefits not only university students but also helps Sims of all ages with their homework and enhances skill gains. University Hangout is designed specifically for university students and provides opportunities for unique interactions with other students.
Additionally, this expansion pack brings three new lot assignments, including Foxbury Commons, UBrite Commons, and University Housing. The commons are designated as gathering places for the two universities in Britechester and come pre-made in the world. However, players can also build them in any non-vacation world. Each lot assignment has specific requirements, such as study and hangout spots, cafeteria items, and additional unique needs that align with their primary focus. University housing offers players the possibility to construct new dormitories. Despite the fact that Sims will attend exams or classes at Britechester through a rabbit hole system, it is still possible to establish a remote campus for both schools in a different world.
New CAS And Build/Buy Items
The Sims 4: Discover University offers a vast collection of CAS items that primarily cater to the young adult demographic, offering a wide range of clothing, hair, and accessory options for a variety of styles. From casual everyday wear to formal academic attire, players will have plenty of options to choose from to help their Sims express their unique personalities and fit in with their peers. There are also Facial piercings as accessories and new minimalist tattoos.
The pack also features an extensive list of new Build/Buy items that can help players create functional and stylish university dorms and houses. With a focus on student life and academic settings, players will find a wide range of desks, chairs, bookcases, and other furniture items designed to help their Sims study and pursue their academic interests. Additionally, players can also find a variety of new decorative items such as posters, rugs, and more to make their Sims' living spaces truly their own.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S