The transition to university, whether from A-levels, apprenticeships or any other path, is one of the most difficult parts of higher education. Settling into an unfamiliar environment, to making friends and navigating new academic rigours – these are just some of the challenges. During this period you may be asking yourself questions: ‘will I like my course?’, ‘do I see myself doing it for next few years?’. These are completely normal to have, even after you have finished first year. As someone that has felt these – and experienced the process of changing course – I want to provide some insight into what you can do if you are having second thoughts with your degree. Keep in mind that this blog will not extend to the logistics of dropping out and pursuing an alternative route.

Initial Doubts?

Having doubts of your course is incredibly normal. After all, we are expected, even required, to have a near-concrete idea of what we wish to study so it is natural to not have all the answers. Even those of us who have had a clear idea of what we want to study from a young age can face doubts over whether a right decision has been made. It is important that people recognise that there is nothing wrong with thinking this. Luckily, there are several options open to you.

Giving Yourself Enough Time to Decide

Regardless of whether you have just enrolled in university or approaching the end of first or even second year, it is vital to give yourself a ‘time-out’ if you are having doubts. Once again, it is normal to second-guess your decisions, but this can happen especially during periods of intense disruption and change. This may be obvious, but if you are just starting university, make sure to give your course a chance – even a week can be a good indicator of what a degree will be like! If, however, you are finding that you are continually doubting your course for a prolonged period even after starting it, then it may be wise to consider what to do moving forward.

Considering Your Options

Switching courses, from within a discipline or even to a different one entirely is much more common that people may realise. Every course is usually given a two week window by which students can freely transfer courses (pending they have the correct qualifications).

This is done to ensure that students will not have to repeat the academic year with a different degree and that they are able to catch up on the work they missed before transferring.

Depending on the similarity of degrees, for example, Joint and Single Honours in one field, a switch may happen after the two week period. If, however, the period has elapsed and you wish to transfer to a course different from your current one, then you may be required to repeat first year with the new course. You are not necessarily required to pass the first year in your current course. If you are unable to switch to a desired course, you may be offered a place in another which matches your situation and preferences.

Process of Switching, Finance and Logistics

Luckily, the logistics and process of switching is relatively straightforward. Every person that applies for student loans is given the length of their course in years plus one, to act as an insurance. This means that with a three year or four year degree, default funding will be for three and four years respectively, enabling a change of course even if you are doing an integrated masters or year away. If another course change happens after this extra year, you will be required to source tuition and living expenses yourself.

If you have decided to transfer, then you must email the Admissions Team for the School that your desired course is in. You will then be sent a change of course form to fill and return. Once the intention to switch has been made and a place has been offered, you will be required to let the staff in charge of your course know. If this is done before the window period then you will immediately be placed onto the new course. If not, you may choose to either take temporary leave from the university until the next academic year or remain in your current course for that duration.

Personal Experience and Closing Words

I, like so many others at the start of university, held an assumption from early age that I would study a particular degree, in this case, Geology. After a few weeks, I realised the degree was not for me and having kept a lifelong side-interest in history, I decided to transfer to History. I did this after the window period had passed, requiring me to start the new course in the next academic year. After staying on and changing my new course to International History and Politics (yes, you can change what degree you wish to switch to before you begin it), I never looked back. Now as I approach third year, I look back on this as one of the best decisions I have made. If you or anyone else you know is having similar doubts, always encourage them to explore the options open to then. After all, why spend three years studying something you don’t enjoy?

If you feel like you need guidance on this, then don’t hesitate to speak to your Academic Personal Tutor or any member of staff. If you have any other academic-related queries then come find us at the Writing Space, open during teaching-time every weekday in the ground floor of Laidlaw Library from 1-4PM!

-Eban Raymond (Academic Writing Mentor. School of History)