Hi all, it's OP/Anon here.
I know some may not agree with me, but you don't know me and I don't know you.
I've made my decision and honestly I'm a whirlwind of emotions - happy, sad, disappointed and relieved all at once.
After about a week of being here, I decided to drop out. I loved the city where I am, it's beautiful, and my lecturers, they are great. But for the sake of my own mental health, I've dropped out.
I realised I only considered Uni in the first place because all my friends are there - and of course, my college back at home really pushed it onto all of us. I can't say I blame anyone, but I realise that I was not doing this for myself but, instead, other people. 'Comparison is the killer of joy', and those words will stick with me for the rest of my life.
I can't say I'm not disappointed in myself, this wasn't an easy decision. This is just a stumble in my road that I will not let disrupt my journey.
So, my advice for others who are just like me: this wasn't an overnight decision. This was the hardest decision I think I have ever had to make. If you know it in yourself, call it a gut feeling, listen to that feeling. Talk it out. Really think about this. I do not want to discourage anyone from stopping University because of anything - this was for me, my mental health, and the consideration of my loved ones. But do what you need to do. This is your life, and you know yourself better than anyone. There is help out there, I just wish I found mine sooner.
It won't be easy but from here on out; I'm planning on finding a job, and going to my GP to make some discussions regarding my mental health and where to go from here.
My Uni journey doesn't stop here though- I'm hoping to apply to my Uni back at home, it's prestigious, but I have the grades for it, so I'm hoping they'll give me a chance for 2024. I don't really have any other plans besides that, so I will leave it there for now as a worry for future me.
Thank you all for the responses and advice.
I wish you all the best,
Anon.