If you’ve made the decision that you really don’t enjoy your course and are considering switching – don’t panic. While most people do enjoy what they study, there’s still a good portion of us who change our minds and decide to switch. You’re entitled to your higher education and therefore, you’re completely entitled to change your course if you think that will benefit you the most.
If you feel sure that you want to change within the first two weeks of university, there’s an easy remedy for it. It’s usually within the first 2-3 weeks of term that there’s some wiggle room in re-evaluating your chosen course and deciding to change. The first point of contact is your personal tutor who will talk you through your decision and set the ball rolling for your transfer into a different course. Voilà!
Obviously, knowing something this big for definite within only two weeks of experiencing the course (and before you even get properly into the learning) is pretty difficult. Also, a lot of people will tell you to give it a little more time to see whether you can get your teeth into it and change your mind. If, however, by Christmas you know that you don’t enjoy it and it’s not for you, chances are you’ll still feel the same way by the next semester.
Therefore, this is a good point to discuss with your personal tutor, explain how you’re feeling and voice your thoughts about possibly switching. As a first year, a conversation like this might be slightly daunting, but stay calm and remember that your tutors are there to support you.
If you do choose to switch courses, they will set in motion the transfer forms. It’s worth bearing in mind that usually you either must continue and finish your first year of your current course, or drop out and return the next year (these aren’t always appealing choices). However, the options you have are heavily dependent on what you currently study and what course you’d like to switch to.
For example, in my first year, I studied Journalism and chose to switch to English. As I had previously studied English at A Level and showed tutors some examples of my essays from my Journalism modules, I could move straight into second year English – provided I passed my first year. Other options include starting the new course from the first year, which is something many students do. This is great because it means you’re not behind and you don’t have anything to catch up on, however, there are some financial implications that are always worth thinking about.
Either way, there’s no need to panic or worry if you don’t enjoy your course. Yes, it’s a little bit scary but there’s support and guidance available. Also, don’t go thinking you’ve wasted time studying something you’ve chosen not to continue with – you’ve just gained a wider variety of skills! Everyone wants you to thrive while at University and sometimes there’s a hiccup in the road, but in the end, it will all work out.
For more information on switching courses, why not check out Jess’ video below with some advice on the services here at Lincoln.
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