So stressed about uni and year 13

Hi ,
I am going into year 13 in September and I’m already feeling so anxious about it +uni. I know that as soon as I get back the teachers will be asking if I have started my uni application. I know I really want to go to uni, I live in a really small town in the countryside so in addition to getting higher education I also like the idea of being independent and getting out there for more opportunity. I’m stuck at what course I want to do, but then even I don’t even know where to go. I thought I wanted to go UAL but I have seen so many very poor reviews saying they don’t teach you and they just suck money out of you, and the students are judgemental especially of those who don’t have a lot of money like me. Which I’m so disappointed as I thought it seemed great.
I’m just so stressed right now, I don’t want to waste my eduction and then be in debt to a uni that I hated or end up just dropping out and feeling like it was all for nothing. It feels like making this decision of where to apply and what to do feels impossible.
Im already suffering from anxiety and depression, all I want is to a uni where I can go and get a good education and meet some kind people, i know no uni is perfect but I just don’t know what to do.
I can’t even speak to my tutor or any college staff since they’re all on break, I really don’t want to do a gap year or another year at college either. Any advice would be appreciated especially if you go to ual

Reply 1

Lkathryn08

Do you know what you would like to study at university? This is really important, it’s a big commitment and with a high workload so it’s much better if you are interested in your subject. I can appreciate the the wanting of freedom and a change in scenery but it’s important that you go for the right reasons. I think people that see the subject as an afterthought tend to struggle and drop out/change subjects more often.

If you have an idea of what you are interested in then go to some uni open days and research the courses to find out what they are about. I felt similar during the summer between year 12/13. Booking open days at unis helped and researching what courses I was interested in looking at.

Also if you can, look at multiple unis, you may think you want to go to a certain one but going there and seeing the campus and the courses can help you figure out what you want from university. There are university comparison websites which can help as well if there as some aspects of university that are important to you.

I know it feels scary, there’s a deadline for deciding what you want to do with your future. Once I went around universities and did some extra research I managed to narrow down my options quite quickly.

Reply 2

Sevenlolol

Original post by Lkathryn08

Do you know what you would like to study at university? This is really important, it’s a big commitment and with a high workload so it’s much better if you are interested in your subject. I can appreciate the the wanting of freedom and a change in scenery but it’s important that you go for the right reasons. I think people that see the subject as an afterthought tend to struggle and drop out/change subjects more often.
If you have an idea of what you are interested in then go to some uni open days and research the courses to find out what they are about. I felt similar during the summer between year 12/13. Booking open days at unis helped and researching what courses I was interested in looking at.
Also if you can, look at multiple unis, you may think you want to go to a certain one but going there and seeing the campus and the courses can help you figure out what you want from university. There are university comparison websites which can help as well if there as some aspects of university that are important to you.
I know it feels scary, there’s a deadline for deciding what you want to do with your future. Once I went around universities and did some extra research I managed to narrow down my options quite quickly.

My subject is not an afterthought at all lol, that’s why I said I don’t want to waste my eduction, that is what I spend every day worrying about, even then I’m not sure, I think either graphic design or SPX makeup, which limits my uni choices. I also do not want to go up north (nothing against the north at all I just want to be within reasonable hour of my current house). I’ve also looked at Brighton, which seems great for graphic design but again I am just worried. I have also looked at Bournemouth, portsmouth and bath spa. When looking at all of them, I just really liked UAL. But seeing stuff from former students has made a little disappointed I guess. I don’t know it’s just hard deciding,

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 3

Lkathryn08

I wasn’t trying to suggest your subject was an afterthought, you just seemed unsure and knowing what you want to study is also a big part of the decision.

Also you’re not totally lost in your choice as you are certain on location. If you haven’t been to the unis then try and visit them. Honestly, you mentioned how I felt when I was visiting. One university just felt right when I went there and none beat that feeling. If you’re worried about what people are saying then looking at a uni comparison site and see what that says and look at the specific courses at that uni too. Unfortunately, I can’t really offer guidance about what those unis are like as I was the opposite of you, from the north and wanted to stay north.

But multiple times in my life I’ve been dreading making a tough decision and every time, my gut instinct was the right choice so listen to that and what just feels right too.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

Original post by Lkathryn08

I wasn’t trying to suggest your subject was an afterthought, you just seemed unsure and knowing what you want to study is also a big part of the decision.
Also you’re not totally lost in your choice as you are certain on location. If you haven’t been to the unis then try and visit them. Honestly, you mentioned how I felt when I was visiting. One university just felt right when I went there and none beat that feeling. If you’re worried about what people are saying then looking at a uni comparison site and see what that says and look at the specific courses at that uni too. Unfortunately, I can’t really offer guidance about what those unis are like as I was the opposite of you, from the north and wanted to stay north.
But multiple times in my life I’ve been dreading making a tough decision and every time, my gut instinct was the right choice so listen to that and what just feels right too.