Q&A: Changing university or course

What can I do when I find that university is not what I expected?

I am in my first year of university but I am not enjoying it - I don't know if it is just this place, or the course that I am doing - or maybe I am not good enough to do a degree. Is it possible to leave this university and start somewhere else next year? Would I do that through UCAS?

It sounds as though you have a number of questions about your university experience and whether it is right for you. There's a lot of different things to think about so it is understandable that you are feeling confused.

It sounds as though you are unsure whether your uncertainty is because of the university itself, your course or the fact that you're not cut out for studying. Firstly  it is important to remember that although university can be a really great time in people's lives, it can also be a very daunting experience.  On top of a challenging course, there are so many changes occurring which can include everything from moving out of home for the first time, being responsible for your own day-to-day living requirements and just having the pressure of making new friends.  All this can add up and have an effect on a person's ability to apply themselves to study.

Once the cycle of stress and worry has started it can be difficult to get back on top of things, but there is plenty of support available to help you through the tough times.  Everybody who has been to university will have felt a great deal of pressure at some point so don't think you are on your own.  Stress can creep up on people very quickly and before you know it, you feel like you are stuck in a rut and that's how it's going to be forever. Stress is beatable - you just need to apply some tried and tested techniques that will help you cope. 

It might be that it is the place itself that isn't suiting you, or indeed the course.You don't actually say what course it is you are doing but you need to have a think about whether it is really worth all the time you are going to have to put in. Have a think about the reasons why you chose the course you did and try to come to a few conclusions about whether it was chosen because it was a direction to a particular career path, or it was something you chose because you weren't sure what else to do.  It's quite common for people to choose a course because they have an interest in it, but don't really know what the opportunities will be at the end of it.  Likewise, other people will know exactly what they want to do career-wise and the course chosen will reflect this. If you decide that it is the course that is the problem and you have an idea about what you would like to do instead, the easiest way to change would be within the university you are at currently. In order to find out more about this option, it might be a good idea to speak to your tutor. Be prepared to explain why you don't like your current course and what it is about the new one which means you think it will be better for you.

With regards to being unsure as to whether a degree is right for you, it may be just that you need to acquire a new way of studying – one which will motivate you a bit more than it seems you are. If you feel that you are having trouble with your studying, it might be worth taking a look at these articles on revision tips, exam preparation and passing your degree. If the worst happens and you don't manage to achieve the results you want, it's really not the end of the world - there will always be other options open to you.  Take a look at this article on exam failure which will hopefully put your mind at rest.

It might be a good idea to have a chat with your one of your university tutors about your concerns. They should be sympathetic to your worries and will have been through similar situations before with other students, so will be able to offer you some constructive advice and hopefully be able to put your mind at rest. The Prospects website has a great section on making a decision about changing or leaving your course which will hopefully be of interest to you.

If you do decide you want to change universities it would be a good idea to contact UCAS (0871 468 0 468).  They are the body who provide the application structure for the universities and so they may be able to give you some information about how to do this. You could also contact any new university directly to discuss your options and to ensure what they are offering is different from what you are currently experiencing.

It might also be worth having a chat with the Careers Advice Service. They will be able to give you some advice about future careers and learning options.  They can also offer advice on funding. This might be relevant if you have to take an extra year of student loan as a result of your decision so it is well worth getting in touch with them on 0800 100 900.