kinda urgent, stressed bc unsure what to do at uni

I feel like all my friends are following what they love and have a set plan for college/uni, whereas I still am not sure but I will have to apply next month. I'm in Scotland, so I've done Highers. I got AAAAA in English, maths, art, classical studies and French. This year, I'm studying advanced higher English, art and then I picked up higher history and modern studies. I honestly just want to do something that I will like and will set me up decent for the future.

Ive obviously thought about this lots before, I keep changing my mind but I've had a few ideas. Psychology would allow me to possibly be a psychologist if I committed, if not I could do an extra year for primary teaching but it seems a little risky since I've never done it at school so don't know if id love it. Another idea was law, which is a logical choice but honestly I'm pretty scared of public speaking and feel like I'd be stressing myself out by picking law. I'd even do something art related, but I am worried about making a folio for that and don't even know what course I'd choose. I feel like the ones I've looked at are such huge commitments which lowkey scares me.

Please if anyone has any ideas or advice please share, the deadline is getting close and for my own peace of mind I really want to decide in the next week

Reply 1

McGinger

Unless you are applying for Oxbridge or Med/Dent/Vet, you do not have to apply next month - whatever you school tries to tell you.

You have until mid-January to apply, and its totally up to you when you do this, so ignore all artificial 'school deadlines'. And - nowhere does it say you can only go to Uni straight from school - if you are not sure what you want to do, or why, then plan a gap-year. Focus on your A levels, and apply to Uni next year or whenever you have decided what you actually want to do.

Too many people race into 'going to Uni' without having through about it that hard and mainly because they are just following the crowd - and only when they get there do they realise that it was never what they wanted to do at all. Dropping out is painful, and emotionally damaging - so make sure you get this decision right - and if that takes you an extra year or so, that is totally okay.

Reply 2

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

Original post

by ivoryyroses

I feel like all my friends are following what they love and have a set plan for college/uni, whereas I still am not sure but I will have to apply next month. I'm in Scotland, so I've done Highers. I got AAAAA in English, maths, art, classical studies and French. This year, I'm studying advanced higher English, art and then I picked up higher history and modern studies. I honestly just want to do something that I will like and will set me up decent for the future.
Ive obviously thought about this lots before, I keep changing my mind but I've had a few ideas. Psychology would allow me to possibly be a psychologist if I committed, if not I could do an extra year for primary teaching but it seems a little risky since I've never done it at school so don't know if id love it. Another idea was law, which is a logical choice but honestly I'm pretty scared of public speaking and feel like I'd be stressing myself out by picking law. I'd even do something art related, but I am worried about making a folio for that and don't even know what course I'd choose. I feel like the ones I've looked at are such huge commitments which lowkey scares me.
Please if anyone has any ideas or advice please share, the deadline is getting close and for my own peace of mind I really want to decide in the next week

Hi @ivoryyroses,

Firstly, try not to compare yourself to others around you as they are on their own path and you're on yours 😊. Additionally, you will find while you may perceive others as being extremely certain in their decisions, many may be feeling similar to yourself.

It's okay to not know what's next! Personally, while I love my degree, my goals have changed since I applied years ago and that's okay.

My biggest recommendation is to follow your passion. Choose a degree that truly brings you happiness and try to make a career out of that. If you're unsure what this may be, reflect on your hobbies and interests and research careers that involve it.

As the other comment has stated, you do not need to apply till mid January for most universities. Attend open days, look at modules, communicate in person or online with current students and tutors, do online workshops and more! If you're still undecided, you may wish to take a gap year to discover your interests further.

Good luck with your decision, please feel free to ask me any questions,
- Sophia (University of Lancashire)

Reply 3

ivoryyroses

Original post

by LancashireRep4

Hi @ivoryyroses,
Firstly, try not to compare yourself to others around you as they are on their own path and you're on yours 😊. Additionally, you will find while you may perceive others as being extremely certain in their decisions, many may be feeling similar to yourself.
It's okay to not know what's next! Personally, while I love my degree, my goals have changed since I applied years ago and that's okay.
My biggest recommendation is to follow your passion. Choose a degree that truly brings you happiness and try to make a career out of that. If you're unsure what this may be, reflect on your hobbies and interests and research careers that involve it.
As the other comment has stated, you do not need to apply till mid January for most universities. Attend open days, look at modules, communicate in person or online with current students and tutors, do online workshops and more! If you're still undecided, you may wish to take a gap year to discover your interests further.
Good luck with your decision, please feel free to ask me any questions,
- Sophia (University of Lancashire)

Thanks for the advice! Earlier today I booked into Edinburghs open day for all 3 taster lectures, I’m hoping from that it gives me some clarity

Reply 4

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by ivoryyroses

I feel like all my friends are following what they love and have a set plan for college/uni, whereas I still am not sure but I will have to apply next month. I'm in Scotland, so I've done Highers. I got AAAAA in English, maths, art, classical studies and French. This year, I'm studying advanced higher English, art and then I picked up higher history and modern studies. I honestly just want to do something that I will like and will set me up decent for the future.
Ive obviously thought about this lots before, I keep changing my mind but I've had a few ideas. Psychology would allow me to possibly be a psychologist if I committed, if not I could do an extra year for primary teaching but it seems a little risky since I've never done it at school so don't know if id love it. Another idea was law, which is a logical choice but honestly I'm pretty scared of public speaking and feel like I'd be stressing myself out by picking law. I'd even do something art related, but I am worried about making a folio for that and don't even know what course I'd choose. I feel like the ones I've looked at are such huge commitments which lowkey scares me.
Please if anyone has any ideas or advice please share, the deadline is getting close and for my own peace of mind I really want to decide in the next week

Hi, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain, especially when friends seem more “set” in their plans. With AAAAA at Higher and your current Advanced Highers, you have an excellent academic profile that keeps many doors open. The fact that you’re considering a range of pathways, psychology, law, teaching, or art, shows that you’re reflecting carefully, and LSBU is well-equipped to support students in exactly this situation.

At London South Bank University (LSBU), there are strong programmes in both Psychology, Art-related and Law, each with a focus on practical learning and student support. For psychology, you don’t need prior experience at school, the BPS-accredited programme starts from the basics and gradually builds into more advanced topics, including research and neuroscience. It’s versatile: you could pursue a career as a psychologist, or use the degree to explore teaching, social sciences, or other people-focused roles. LSBU provides academic tutors, study skills workshops, and mentoring, so you’ll have plenty of guidance if you’re unsure about specific areas of the course. For law, LSBU’s programmes combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills such as legal research and case analysis, and there are plenty of supportive services if public speaking or confidence in class is a concern.

If you’re interested in creative subjects, LSBU offers programmes such as Acting for Stage and Screen (BA Hons), Game Design and Development (BA Hons), and Film and Television Practice (BA Hons). These courses focus on practical, hands-on learning in well-equipped studios, production spaces, and digital labs.

LSBU also offers excellent student support and flexibility for those who are undecided. The Skills for Learning Centre, wellbeing services, and careers support help students explore options and develop confidence in their choices. The university’s Open Days on Saturday 4th October 2025 and Saturday 15th November 2025 are perfect for seeing the facilities, speaking with lecturers and current students, and getting a feel for the courses and support available. These events can help you decide which programme feels right for you without committing blindly, and LSBU’s practical, supportive approach ensures you won’t feel lost even if you’re still figuring out your long-term goals. You can book your place here: [LSBU Open Day Link].