leaving ARU

i started my course at ARU Chelmsford back in september, and have since realised it's really not for me.

it's a mix of a few different things; i find the content somewhat interesting, but it's really just not what i expected, and im really not enjoying myself.

the main issue i have, though, is that a lot of our classes are practical sessions in the lab, which i was initially very excited for. however, over the summer i developed an issue with my hands. they are constantly shaking, one of them is numb on one half and has become very weak. i could still USE them, and considering no doctor i went to about it seemed too concerned, i thought it wasnt a very big deal.

it is. it is definitely a big deal, because most of the practicals ive attended have ended with me stressed, upset, and just really angry. i cant properly use some of the equipment, ive only managed to get a slide to actually show anything under a microscope ONCE, and i just feel like a complete failure. the assistants working with our class definitely hate me, because i cant seem to do anything.

i want to leave this course and apply for something else away from science at a different uni. but i have no idea how to go about it. i dont know who to speak to, how much of my fees ill have to pay back and when, what im supposed to do about my accommodation. i have two ongoing group projects, and i don't know how to explain my situation to them, or how their project will be affected if i leave. i just dont know what to do.

Reply 1

ARUOfficial

Official Rep

Original post by arachred

i started my course at ARU Chelmsford back in september, and have since realised it's really not for me.
it's a mix of a few different things; i find the content somewhat interesting, but it's really just not what i expected, and im really not enjoying myself.
the main issue i have, though, is that a lot of our classes are practical sessions in the lab, which i was initially very excited for. however, over the summer i developed an issue with my hands. they are constantly shaking, one of them is numb on one half and has become very weak. i could still USE them, and considering no doctor i went to about it seemed too concerned, i thought it wasnt a very big deal.
it is. it is definitely a big deal, because most of the practicals ive attended have ended with me stressed, upset, and just really angry. i cant properly use some of the equipment, ive only managed to get a slide to actually show anything under a microscope ONCE, and i just feel like a complete failure. the assistants working with our class definitely hate me, because i cant seem to do anything.
i want to leave this course and apply for something else away from science at a different uni. but i have no idea how to go about it. i dont know who to speak to, how much of my fees ill have to pay back and when, what im supposed to do about my accommodation. i have two ongoing group projects, and i don't know how to explain my situation to them, or how their project will be affected if i leave. i just dont know what to do.

Hi there,

You have a lot going on at the moment and I'm sorry that you're feeling unsupported and upset – we are here to help and our support teams can help find the right way forward for you.

We have a Counselling and Wellbeing team that is available for free for you to discuss anything personal or university-related. There will be no judgement on the situations you share as they are trained, professional counsellors and mental health advisors. Please do reach out to the team, they are ready and waiting:
📱 01245 684271
📧 [email protected]

Have you raised the issues you have about your course with your lecturer and/or the technicians? If not, we would strongly advise letting them know as they may be able to put things in place to support you. We know it may seem daunting telling someone, but once they know and understand, they can support you.

You can also contact our Student Services team who will be able to support you: 📧 [email protected]. You can discuss the options of changing course and they can advise what your next steps should be if you choose to leave ARU.

Please do get in touch with us in any of the above ways. I know it must feel like a really hard time at the moment, but we are here to support you through it.

Best wishes,
Jemma