University Advice

I’m reaching out because I have no idea what to do. I’m in my second year of university at City, University of London, studying journalism. I’ve always wanted to pursue journalism, but now I regret choosing this university.

Back in sixth form, I felt pressured by my parents not to study abroad, and I thought it would be better to stay in London. My A-level grades weren’t great (BCC), so I rushed into applying for university. But I hate the university experience — it’s so boring (in this particular university) and I’ve been struggling to make friends, which has made my mental health worse.

Near the end of my first year, I suggested taking a gap year to my parents, but they reacted badly and weren’t understanding at all. Now I’m stuck in my second year, and honestly, taking a gap year would have benefited me so much, either to transfer or just to think things through.

I’ve even missed the start of this academic year. I didn’t enjoy first year as much as I hoped. Should I push through and just get my degree? Or break the news to my parents, knowing it’s going to create so much chaos?

Reply 1

juybee

Follow your heart!!! Its your life after all

Reply 2

McGinger

Original post by anon654456

I’m reaching out because I have no idea what to do. I’m in my second year of university at City, University of London, studying journalism. I’ve always wanted to pursue journalism, but now I regret choosing this university.
Back in sixth form, I felt pressured by my parents not to study abroad, and I thought it would be better to stay in London. My A-level grades weren’t great (BCC), so I rushed into applying for university. But I hate the university experience — it’s so boring (in this particular university) and I’ve been struggling to make friends, which has made my mental health worse.
Near the end of my first year, I suggested taking a gap year to my parents, but they reacted badly and weren’t understanding at all. Now I’m stuck in my second year, and honestly, taking a gap year would have benefited me so much, either to transfer or just to think things through.
I’ve even missed the start of this academic year. I didn’t enjoy first year as much as I hoped. Should I push through and just get my degree? Or break the news to my parents, knowing it’s going to create so much chaos?

Go and talk to your Personal Tutor - this is exactly the sort of problem they are there for.
Email them today and ask if you can talk to them in person.

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by anon654456

I’m reaching out because I have no idea what to do. I’m in my second year of university at City, University of London, studying journalism. I’ve always wanted to pursue journalism, but now I regret choosing this university.
Back in sixth form, I felt pressured by my parents not to study abroad, and I thought it would be better to stay in London. My A-level grades weren’t great (BCC), so I rushed into applying for university. But I hate the university experience — it’s so boring (in this particular university) and I’ve been struggling to make friends, which has made my mental health worse.
Near the end of my first year, I suggested taking a gap year to my parents, but they reacted badly and weren’t understanding at all. Now I’m stuck in my second year, and honestly, taking a gap year would have benefited me so much, either to transfer or just to think things through.
I’ve even missed the start of this academic year. I didn’t enjoy first year as much as I hoped. Should I push through and just get my degree? Or break the news to my parents, knowing it’s going to create so much chaos?

Hi there!

I'm sorry to hear about your current situation. I can really empathise with you as I've been through something similar.

Just like @juybee suggested, I think you should follow your heart! When I was in sixth form, I was dead set on doing medicine. However, I knew I needed a break from education before university as my mental health was at an all time low and my A Levels had taken it out of me. I planned on using my gap year to recover as well as gain some experience that would support my application to medical school.

After volunteering in a hospital and working in a carehome, I realised medicine was not for me. My gap year gave me time to rethink what I wanted to do, and i ended up deciding that I want to help people with their mental health, which is how I've ended up doing Psychology here at the University of Bath!

It really sounds like you also need time to think about what direction you want to take your life in. I'm really sorry to hear that your parents aren't being supportive of this, that must be so difficult. However, I do think that ultimately you need to act in your own best interests, and do what's right for you.

Just like @McGinger suggested, I think it would be really beneficial for you to talk with your personal tutor, who should help you to figure out what steps you need to take.

I wish you the very best with your journey!

~Claire 🙂

2nd Year Psychology Student

Reply 4

Manchester Met - Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by anon654456

I’m reaching out because I have no idea what to do. I’m in my second year of university at City, University of London, studying journalism. I’ve always wanted to pursue journalism, but now I regret choosing this university.
Back in sixth form, I felt pressured by my parents not to study abroad, and I thought it would be better to stay in London. My A-level grades weren’t great (BCC), so I rushed into applying for university. But I hate the university experience — it’s so boring (in this particular university) and I’ve been struggling to make friends, which has made my mental health worse.
Near the end of my first year, I suggested taking a gap year to my parents, but they reacted badly and weren’t understanding at all. Now I’m stuck in my second year, and honestly, taking a gap year would have benefited me so much, either to transfer or just to think things through.
I’ve even missed the start of this academic year. I didn’t enjoy first year as much as I hoped. Should I push through and just get my degree? Or break the news to my parents, knowing it’s going to create so much chaos?

Hi there,
Wow I feel your confusion on what to do! I really disliked my first year, because of the social aspect, and I had all thoughts similar to yours. I ended up moving accommodations and finding friends in the accommodation I moved to which was a god send.
I feel like you have mapped out choices for your self going forward which is a fab thing to do. Definitely talk to your personal tutor, they could have that little piece of advice or top tip that could make the difference. I remember getting stuck into societies was a life saver for my mental health. This gave me a network and made me feel more involved into the university experience. However, I totally understand this advice doesn’t apply to everyone! and definitely re sit down with your parents and get all your thoughts off your chest. Problem shared is a problem halved 🙂
Hope everything goes ok,
Emily