It’s a horrible feeling to get excited about uni only for it to be a huge disappointment for you, but it is commonplace amongst freshers and the good thing is you’ve got time to do something about it.
Finding the course difficult?
This is completely understandable. Many people will find the jump up from A Level to university a little troublesome at first, but like most things you usually settle in to it and learn to adapt. Most university courses have a first year that will not count to the rest of your course. This does not mean you don’t have to try – in fact that will put you at a massive disadvantage for the following years – but it does mean you can afford to take your time in getting used to everything and the higher level of work required.
If you are struggling a little do go and see your tutors. They are there to help you get your degree and will be able to guide you through the process of getting a handle on things. Getting to know your tutors well is just good advice in general. They will be invaluable throughout your entire degree.
for a little more help on making that step up, read our Minding the gap between A Levels and Degree article.
Don’t like your course?
Of course, you might arrive at university and simply decide the course just isn’t for you and you’d like to change to something different. This comes with a few problems but it is possible.
Firstly, you shouldn’t be too hasty. Give the course time. That’s what first year is for. Ask yourself, do you really dislike the course or are you simply not putting the time in to get the most out of it?
If you still feel like changing course is the only option then the course you are moving to needs to be the one for you. Do your research and really find out how the course is run, the learning styles, the tutors, the modules. You need to be 100% certain you’re not going to want to change again.
Changing course
If you are doing a joint honours it will be quite simple to drop one half and pick up another, or turn it into a single honours. It is even heard of to drop one half at the beginning of 2nd year, depending on what kind of course you do. To change courses completely, however, is a little harder.
You’ll need to contact the course administrator and your tutor and will probably have to defend your decision to them. Your new course may have had harder entry requirements, so it is not guaranteed that’ll you be able to slot right into it.
If you are granted the course change you must be comfortable with the possibility of starting again the following year, meaning more time at university and more student debt.
Changing courses is not a decision to be taken lightly. However, if you are unhappy, and sure it is what you want, then it is the right thing to do.