HUGE uni dilemma pls help

hi, in a HUGE dilemma right now and just need a bit of advice
started criminology degree at a RG uni in 2022, they had changed the course at the last minute & it was amalgamated with other subjects, a total waste of money and I had an awful experience there. I left at the end of December 2022.
I re-applied for criminology at another top RG uni, loved it in first year, got top of the year, won an undergraduate award etc. However, got to second year and had a total breakdown at the start of my second year. Have had to take an interruption.
I feel like my heart is not in it at all, but I know how much I’ve messed up studying. Taking time away from the course has made me realise I’m really interested in the potential to go into Social Work. However, I know how competitive the post grad schemes are and with my track history of leaving uni’s, I feel pretty hopeless about it.
I just don’t know whether im capable of uni or whether it’s all in my head. But nowadays, everything needs a degree. I genuinely feel like I’ve ruined my chances of doing well, and severely messed up my funding. Has left me feeling very depressed
Please advice needed

hi, in a HUGE dilemma right now and just need a bit of advice
started criminology degree at a RG uni in 2022, they had changed the course at the last minute & it was amalgamated with other subjects, a total waste of money and I had an awful experience there. I left at the end of December 2022.
I re-applied for criminology at another top RG uni, loved it in first year, got top of the year, won an undergraduate award etc. However, got to second year and had a total breakdown at the start of my second year. Have had to take an interruption.
I feel like my heart is not in it at all, but I know how much I’ve messed up studying. Taking time away from the course has made me realise I’m really interested in the potential to go into Social Work. However, I know how competitive the post grad schemes are and with my track history of leaving uni’s, I feel pretty hopeless about it.
I just don’t know whether im capable of uni or whether it’s all in my head. But nowadays, everything needs a degree. I genuinely feel like I’ve ruined my chances of doing well, and severely messed up my funding. Has left me feeling very depressed
Please advice needed

hi, in a HUGE dilemma right now and just need a bit of advice
started criminology degree at a RG uni in 2022, they had changed the course at the last minute & it was amalgamated with other subjects, a total waste of money and I had an awful experience there. I left at the end of December 2022.
I re-applied for criminology at another top RG uni, loved it in first year, got top of the year, won an undergraduate award etc. However, got to second year and had a total breakdown at the start of my second year. Have had to take an interruption.
I feel like my heart is not in it at all, but I know how much I’ve messed up studying. Taking time away from the course has made me realise I’m really interested in the potential to go into Social Work. However, I know how competitive the post grad schemes are and with my track history of leaving uni’s, I feel pretty hopeless about it.
I just don’t know whether im capable of uni or whether it’s all in my head. But nowadays, everything needs a degree. I genuinely feel like I’ve ruined my chances of doing well, and severely messed up my funding. Has left me feeling very depressed
Please advice needed

Hi there,
Hey, I’m really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way, but I’m glad you reached out. It sounds like you’ve been through a really tough time, but I want to reassure you that you’re definitely not alone in this. Many people face similar dilemmas, and just because you’ve faced some challenges doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your future.
Here are a few thoughts that might help you move forward and see things in a different light:
1. It’s Okay to Pivot
You mentioned that you’re now interested in Social Work—that’s a huge step in figuring out what you might want to do next. A lot of people start university and realize that their initial course isn’t for them. What matters is that you’ve recognized what you’re passionate about now. It's totally valid to switch direction if your heart’s not in criminology anymore.
If you decide to pursue social work, there are a few different ways to get there. Some people enter social work through a master’s degree after completing their undergrad in a related field like criminology, sociology, psychology, or even something else. Social work programs often value life experience and personal motivation over a perfectly linear academic history. The fact that you’re thinking about making a difference in people's lives shows a lot of self-awareness and maturity, which will help you in applications.
2. Your Past Doesn’t Define You
I know you’re feeling like your past university experiences have set you back, but in reality, your experiences make you stronger and more resilient. Everyone’s academic journey is unique, and it’s okay if yours hasn’t been a straight path. In fact, many people take time off from their studies or experience setbacks and come back even stronger.
When applying to postgrad schemes or jobs, you can frame your experiences in a way that shows growth. Taking time out for mental health or re-evaluating your career path demonstrates self-awareness and maturity, which many employers and universities value. It's not about perfect grades or never having any bumps in the road—it's about showing that you’ve learned from those challenges.
3. Mental Health Comes First
It sounds like you’ve been going through a lot of stress, and I want to emphasize how important it is to prioritize your mental health above everything else right now. You don’t need to have everything figured out today. It’s okay to take a step back and give yourself time to heal. Talking to a counselor or mental health professional might help you work through these feelings of hopelessness and self-doubt.
Remember, there’s no shame in taking time to focus on your well-being, especially if you’ve been through a breakdown. That time off might just help you re-focus, get clarity, and come back feeling more sure of what you want.
4. Don’t Worry About Funding Just Yet
It’s totally understandable that you're concerned about messing up your funding, but I want to remind you that there are ways to manage it. You might be able to restart your studies in a new course or at a different university and still get financial support. It may involve some research on your options and talking to your student funding office, but don’t let that stop you from considering the next step. Sometimes even taking time off doesn't affect your financial aid, so it’s worth checking with your university or the relevant funding body.
5. You’re Not Alone
A lot of people feel like they’re not capable of uni when they’re going through a tough time. But the fact that you’ve excelled in the past (like winning the undergraduate award) shows that you have what it takes. And it’s important to remember that university is not just about grades—it's about the whole experience. Finding your passion, learning about yourself, and growing are just as important.
Next Steps:
Final Thought:
You haven’t messed everything up. It’s just part of your journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. You have time to figure things out and take the steps that feel right for you. Your experiences, whether good or bad, have shaped you into someone who is thinking critically about their future—and that’s already a huge achievement.
You’ve got this! If you want to talk more or need specific advice about social work or university options, feel free to reach out. You’re not alone in this!
Thanks & Regards
Coventry University Student Ambassador.

Hi there,
Hey, I’m really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way, but I’m glad you reached out. It sounds like you’ve been through a really tough time, but I want to reassure you that you’re definitely not alone in this. Many people face similar dilemmas, and just because you’ve faced some challenges doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your future.
Here are a few thoughts that might help you move forward and see things in a different light:
1. It’s Okay to Pivot
You mentioned that you’re now interested in Social Work—that’s a huge step in figuring out what you might want to do next. A lot of people start university and realize that their initial course isn’t for them. What matters is that you’ve recognized what you’re passionate about now. It's totally valid to switch direction if your heart’s not in criminology anymore.
If you decide to pursue social work, there are a few different ways to get there. Some people enter social work through a master’s degree after completing their undergrad in a related field like criminology, sociology, psychology, or even something else. Social work programs often value life experience and personal motivation over a perfectly linear academic history. The fact that you’re thinking about making a difference in people's lives shows a lot of self-awareness and maturity, which will help you in applications.
2. Your Past Doesn’t Define You
I know you’re feeling like your past university experiences have set you back, but in reality, your experiences make you stronger and more resilient. Everyone’s academic journey is unique, and it’s okay if yours hasn’t been a straight path. In fact, many people take time off from their studies or experience setbacks and come back even stronger.
When applying to postgrad schemes or jobs, you can frame your experiences in a way that shows growth. Taking time out for mental health or re-evaluating your career path demonstrates self-awareness and maturity, which many employers and universities value. It's not about perfect grades or never having any bumps in the road—it's about showing that you’ve learned from those challenges.
3. Mental Health Comes First
It sounds like you’ve been going through a lot of stress, and I want to emphasize how important it is to prioritize your mental health above everything else right now. You don’t need to have everything figured out today. It’s okay to take a step back and give yourself time to heal. Talking to a counselor or mental health professional might help you work through these feelings of hopelessness and self-doubt.
Remember, there’s no shame in taking time to focus on your well-being, especially if you’ve been through a breakdown. That time off might just help you re-focus, get clarity, and come back feeling more sure of what you want.
4. Don’t Worry About Funding Just Yet
It’s totally understandable that you're concerned about messing up your funding, but I want to remind you that there are ways to manage it. You might be able to restart your studies in a new course or at a different university and still get financial support. It may involve some research on your options and talking to your student funding office, but don’t let that stop you from considering the next step. Sometimes even taking time off doesn't affect your financial aid, so it’s worth checking with your university or the relevant funding body.
5. You’re Not Alone
A lot of people feel like they’re not capable of uni when they’re going through a tough time. But the fact that you’ve excelled in the past (like winning the undergraduate award) shows that you have what it takes. And it’s important to remember that university is not just about grades—it's about the whole experience. Finding your passion, learning about yourself, and growing are just as important.
Next Steps:
Final Thought:
You haven’t messed everything up. It’s just part of your journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. You have time to figure things out and take the steps that feel right for you. Your experiences, whether good or bad, have shaped you into someone who is thinking critically about their future—and that’s already a huge achievement.
You’ve got this! If you want to talk more or need specific advice about social work or university options, feel free to reach out. You’re not alone in this!
Thanks & Regards
Coventry University Student Ambassador.