Thinking about quitting uni

I am a first year student at the University of Essex studying Comp Sci, and I am really not enjoying it at all. I enrolled late because I was sick at the start of the term but almost all of my degree is online apart from a few hours of labs which hardly anyone shows up to anyway. So its really hard to meet people. I feel like it is so expensive for what you get for your money. I am a bit older than you average student (I am 25) so it seems even harder to meet people in this situation. The atmosphere on campus is not that great. Does anyone else feel that the lingering COVID situation is ruining their university experience, or that university isn't worth the money or what they expected? I am wondering what to do.

I am a first year student at the University of Essex studying Comp Sci, and I am really not enjoying it at all. I enrolled late because I was sick at the start of the term but almost all of my degree is online apart from a few hours of labs which hardly anyone shows up to anyway. So its really hard to meet people. I feel like it is so expensive for what you get for your money. I am a bit older than you average student (I am 25) so it seems even harder to meet people in this situation. The atmosphere on campus is not that great. Does anyone else feel that the lingering COVID situation is ruining their university experience, or that university isn't worth the money or what they expected? I am wondering what to do.

Hello,

I am really sorry that you are not enjoying your uni experience at the moment.

I can relate to what you are feeling right now. I agree it is very expensive for what you get, for now anyway, I'm sure things will pick up!
I started University when I was 24, and I am now 26 and in the final year of my studies. I completely understand where you are coming from. I believe being a bit older, you see things in a different light, for me anyway I was far more selective when meeting people and making friends with people. Rest assured tho, I do believe this experience does teach you how to mix with all sorts of different people. When you do meet those friends that you click with, it really is a great feeling.

I am not the sort of person who goes out partying every weekend, I prefer to do other things with my time, because university is NOT all about going out drinking every weekend. Sounds silly, but if the local university library is open, I recommend going down there and literally just start talking to people. A guy who i am now good friends with, literally overheard a conversation with me and another friend and said to me " Sorry to bother you, but your conversation sounds really interesting can I join in."

Don't be afraid to talk to people who you think you may click with. Failing that, if you have freshers facebook page, pop a message on their about being a mature student and if anyone fancies meeting up for a coffee and a chat, I am sure that other people will be feeling exactly the same as you!

Please don't suffer in silence tho because it is the worst feeling in the world. If you can, get talking to people.

Sorry to ramble on, I wish you all the best.

Regards

Charlie