Moving home for uni

I’m a first year student studying away from home. I’m 2 weeks away from the end of teaching. Since November, I have been overall really low and anxious. I started off the year fine, despite not knowing anyone. then I began to feel low and not enjoy it. I’m living in a small city, whereas I am from a bigger city at home. I have joined societies, gone out and tried to make my experience better but I just genuinely don’t enjoy it. I have option to transfer to a uni at home for next year, which I am leaning towards doing.
Like every decision though I’m worried this will be a mistake. I feel selfish for transferring home, I know i’m in a position of privilege to study somewhere new. I feel guilty that I haven’t loved it. But it hasn’t brought me any contentment. My favourite part of uni is going back home. I don’t feel homesickness, I just feel unhappy. My life at home I am always busy and have a job, friends and family. There is more to do in my home city.
Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Is it worth staying for 2 more years?

Reply 1

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

I always recommend moving away from home for university. It’s a perfect opportunity to try living away. It’s something that you learn from.

In your case you’ve learned that it’s not something that makes you happy - that’s a worthwhile thing to know.

Don’t ignore that lesson and force yourself to be unhappy for 2 more years. Switch to the university closer to home if you think that will make you happier.

You can always live in halls/in a shared house in your home city if you want to retain some of the independence that you have developed this year (or just for your final year). And if you do move back home you’re likely to appreciate your family and the comforts of home much more.

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

13

Original post by Anonymous

I’m a first year student studying away from home. I’m 2 weeks away from the end of teaching. Since November, I have been overall really low and anxious. I started off the year fine, despite not knowing anyone. then I began to feel low and not enjoy it. I’m living in a small city, whereas I am from a bigger city at home. I have joined societies, gone out and tried to make my experience better but I just genuinely don’t enjoy it. I have option to transfer to a uni at home for next year, which I am leaning towards doing.
Like every decision though I’m worried this will be a mistake. I feel selfish for transferring home, I know i’m in a position of privilege to study somewhere new. I feel guilty that I haven’t loved it. But it hasn’t brought me any contentment. My favourite part of uni is going back home. I don’t feel homesickness, I just feel unhappy. My life at home I am always busy and have a job, friends and family. There is more to do in my home city.
Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Is it worth staying for 2 more years?

Hi there,

PQ has already given you some great advice, so I won't repeat it. Just wanted to add that uni is a 3-4 year investment in your life and its important that you put yourself in a place where you will have a good experience and enjoy your time. So if you are really unhappy in your current uni, not enjoying your experience at all and you think your situation will be better if you transfer, then that's the right option for you. You've tried it, and that's the main thing.

Like PQ said, perhaps it would still be a good idea to live in shared halls so you get the chance to make memories and learn some independent skills, but perhaps going home to visit at weekends and carry on with your job part-time.

Its 100% your decision to make, but I'd say if you are truly unhappy where you are, then you should transfer. It will be a bit of hassle getting used to things, but if your experience would be better then it is worth it 🙂

I hope this helps, best of luck 🙂

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 3

Teesside University

Official Rep

17

Original post by Anonymous

I’m a first year student studying away from home. I’m 2 weeks away from the end of teaching. Since November, I have been overall really low and anxious. I started off the year fine, despite not knowing anyone. then I began to feel low and not enjoy it. I’m living in a small city, whereas I am from a bigger city at home. I have joined societies, gone out and tried to make my experience better but I just genuinely don’t enjoy it. I have option to transfer to a uni at home for next year, which I am leaning towards doing.
Like every decision though I’m worried this will be a mistake. I feel selfish for transferring home, I know i’m in a position of privilege to study somewhere new. I feel guilty that I haven’t loved it. But it hasn’t brought me any contentment. My favourite part of uni is going back home. I don’t feel homesickness, I just feel unhappy. My life at home I am always busy and have a job, friends and family. There is more to do in my home city.
Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Is it worth staying for 2 more years?

Hi there!

So sorry to hear you are feeling this way! It's great that you have put yourself out there and joined societies to try and make friends and enjoy yourself - it sounds like you've really given it a go!

However, you've got to do what's best for you if you are really not happy. Just make sure you've really thought it through. Also ensure you've done your research into the uni you're looking at transferring to. Check out the course page, and you could even visit an open day or campus tour and chat to current students and lecturers! Just check that you are happy with the facilities, modules, teaching methods etc. as different unis can teach the same courses differently!

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your decision!

Thanks 😄
G

Moving home for uni

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