Once the novelty of Freshers has worn off and deadlines approach, the reality of university kicks in and many students begin to doubt if it is really for them. If university isn’t going to plan for you, it’s not the disaster you think it is. No matter how many people tell you you will have the time of your life, university isn’t for everyone. It goes without saying, you shouldn’t leave until you’re certain it is the right step for you. Making this decision is a difficult one so we’re hoping our tips on what to do if it all goes wrong will help!

1. De-stress

Big decisions are stressful, we hear ya! Do something to distract yourself from the worry that’s going on. Go on a walk, chill out with friends or go to the gym; exercise is an effective stress relief! When I’m making a big decision, I find it helps to sleep on it. If you’re still feeling the same in the morning you know you’re making the right decision.

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2. Seek help

Many universities have a wide range of student services that are available to support you. The sooner you talk about the problem and seek help the better! It’s also worth contacting your tutor and arranging a meeting with them to go through your options. They will have been through this situation with students many times before and be a good source of support and guidance for you.

3. Don’t compare

University isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and it’s ok to feel home sick and not be enjoying yourself as much as you’d hoped! If your close friends are loving life, don’t shy away from admitting that you’re not. Just because they are choosing university education as their path forward, doesn’t mean it’s the right path for you. Talking to friends about it and getting their opinion will help you feel much happier.

4. Give it a chance

Before finalising your decision, make sure you have given the university experience a chance. There’s nothing worse than making a rash decision in your first semester and regretting giving it a real go. I recommend giving it to the end of the second semester, or completing the first year if possible to see how you’ve performed. I found that the start of university was daunting and it was tough adjusting to managing my own finances, making new friends and being 100% independent, but by the second semester I was much more settled and it felt a lot more like home.

5. Make a plan B

If you’ve realised university isn’t for you, make a plan B of what you’re going to do once you leave. I recommend considering an apprenticeship, applying for jobs or going travelling. Travelling is an experience not everyone gets and an amazing opportunity to meet new people and take some time out to figure what your next step is going to be. Making a plan B is a great way to gain positivity about your future, plus it gets your parents off your back!