What To Do If You Hate Your University Course?
When you find yourself enrolled on a university degree that you’re not enjoying, it can disrupt your plans and create a sense of unease.
If you find yourself in this situation at university, there are probably a lot of questions and doubts floating around your head. You might be thinking: ‘Should I stick with it?’, ‘maybe it will get better with time’, and ‘my parents will freak if I quit’.
There’s often a lot of pressure to stick with your chosen course, especially after sharing your plans with friends and family and getting to know your fellow students and lecturers.
Know that it’s normal to discover that a subject isn’t quite what you expected. After all, how can you know if you’ll like something if you haven’t tried it before? Feeling like this isn’t your fault, and it’s a common experience for many university students.
If you’re feeling unhappy with your course, know that you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to address the situation.
Understand the reasons
Before taking any action, it’s important to pinpoint why you’re unhappy with your course. Is it the subject matter, the workload, the teaching style, or something else? Are you missing home, struggling to fit in, or having trouble balancing work and study? Once you identify the root of the problem, you can take more targeted steps to address it.
Talk to your tutor
Your tutor is there to help you. They can provide guidance, advice, and support about the subject.
Don’t be afraid to open up and share your concerns. They may be able to offer suggestions or resources to help you get back on track.
Make the most of academic support
Universities often offer a variety of academic support services, such as career advice, tutoring, writing and counselling.
These resources can help you to think about your next steps and adjust to university life. They’re there to help you succeed in your studies and overcome any challenges you may face, such as not enjoying your course.
Explore your university options
Consider whether there are other modules within your course that might interest you more. If you’re not sure what you want to do after graduation, research different career paths and see if your course can help you achieve them.
If you’re truly unhappy with your course, explore other university subjects or even consider transferring to a different university. Talk to your academic advisor about your options.
Join student societies or clubs
Meeting people on your course is a great way to make new friends, but it’s not the only way. If you don’t get along with the people on your course, don’t feel pressure to force a friendship if it’s not coming naturally.
Instead, get involved in extracurricular activities to meet new people with similar interests, make friends, and find a sense of community that you might not have on your course. It can also give you a break from your studies and help you relax.
Don’t give up
It’s important to remember that it takes time to adjust to university life. Don’t give up on your course too quickly. Give yourself some time to adapt and see if your feelings change.
Take a break
Sometimes, all you need is a break. Take a weekend trip, spend time with friends and family, or simply relax and unwind. A little time away can help you recharge and gain a new perspective.
Remember, it’s okay to change your mind
It’s perfectly normal to change your mind about your course. Your interests and goals may evolve over time. Don’t be afraid to explore different options and find something that truly excites you.
Many students go through similar experiences. By taking proactive steps and seeking support, you can find a solution that works for you.
Seek Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talk to a friend, family member, or a counsellor. Universities often have counselling services available to students, but sometimes these have waiting lists.
If you need to talk to someone urgently, chat with a Meic adviser for free. The Meic helpline is open from 8am to midnight every day. You can call, WhatsApp message, text, or chat with us online.
