The Student Room Group

Struggling at university

Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.

I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.

My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).

I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".

Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.

I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Reply 1

Hi, so sorry to hear that things felt difficult. I just wanted to say I have read your post and sending you good thoughts. Best wishes

Reply 2

Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Hi I also hated my time at Kent it's not all what it's cracked up to be if I am honest I also didn't dink or do any of the clubs but I still did with random people who I lived with in my 2nd year the university is very gloomy and quite sad. The only way I got through it was to stay away of Kent work elsewhere. But I don't recommend it for anyone to do.

If the course is something you can do like get a 2.1 then that's fine if you hate the course then don't stay whatever you do treat it like going to a job you don't like but still do it. As long as you do your work to level and get your degree then that's all that matters.

I did that in end did give one crap about Kent now I am at UCL doing a PhD so good luck to you I know how you feel!

Reply 3

Original post
by Jameswai
Hi I also hated my time at Kent it's not all what it's cracked up to be if I am honest I also didn't dink or do any of the clubs but I still did with random people who I lived with in my 2nd year the university is very gloomy and quite sad. The only way I got through it was to stay away of Kent work elsewhere. But I don't recommend it for anyone to do.
If the course is something you can do like get a 2.1 then that's fine if you hate the course then don't stay whatever you do treat it like going to a job you don't like but still do it. As long as you do your work to level and get your degree then that's all that matters.
I did that in end did give one crap about Kent now I am at UCL doing a PhD so good luck to you I know how you feel!
Hey,

Honestly, it doesn’t sound bad at all. What you’re feeling is way more common than you think, especially in first year when everything’s new, intense, and doesn’t quite feel like “you” yet. It’s actually really self-aware that you’re questioning whether you’re enjoying the couse itself or just struggling with the uni experience. Those are two very different things, and it’s good that you’re trying to separate them.

It might help to take a bit of time to figure out what’s really making you feel this way….is it the subject, the environment, the lifestyle, or just the adjustment period? Uni can feel really flat in the beginning, even for people who end up loving it later on. It takes a while to find your flow, both socially and academically.

I found it really helpful to use a diary or planner and set small daily goals when I felt like I’d lost direction a bit. Things like “go to that lecture,” “read one chapter,” or “get out for a walk” sound simple, but they help bring some structure and give you small wins. Sometimes when everything feels uncertain, having a bit of routine can take the pressure off and make things clearer.

It’s definitely not too late to rethink your path, but if you do decide to change, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. I was conflicted between a few career paths myself before choosing ODP, and what helped was researching everything properly, what the course was like, what jobs it led to, what the day-to-day would look like. Once I found something that genuinely interested me, the motivation came naturally.

So take some pressure off yourself…you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Give yourself a bit of time to settle, explore, and really reflect on what excites you long-term. Whether you stay or decide to switch paths, you’re not stuck, you’re just figuring out what fits you, and that’s something worth taking your time on.

Good luck! Sophie 🙂

Reply 4

Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Hey @trustland,

First off, it’s great to hear that you’re passionate about studying Law. It’s not uncommon to have mixed feelings about your course and university - especially in the first term - so what you’re feeling right now is perfectly normal.

One of the main issues you point out is your lack of interest in student life in regard to clubbing, drinking, etc. What I would recommend is trying to get involved more in the aspects of student life that do interest you does your university have a Law Society? Are you passionate about any sports/hobbies that have societies/clubs that you could join? What do you enjoy (introverted or extroverted activities) and how can you implement those activities into your current schedule?

Make sure to talk through your current thoughts and feelings with your friends and family; they may be able to offer alternatives or compromises that you haven’t thought of yourself.

Hope this helps and best of luck,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 5

Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

You have only been there a month so I would give it a real go at least until Christmas You are right do I like law and do I like Kent Uni are two different questions.Is there something else you would rather study?If you stayed with law what do you envision yourself doing.Check what graduate destinations are for your course and do they correspond with your ambitions.

Reply 6

Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.


So sorry for that
Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Hey,
It’s completely valid to feel this way, and you're not alone!
It's very common for new students to question their course and university early on. Before making any decisions, talk to a close friend or family member. It's helpful to vent and get things off your chest.
Take a moment to separate the issues: Ask yourself, "Does this course feel wrong, or is it the student life and environment?" If it's the environment, you can change your social activities. If it's the actual subject matter, then it's time to explore your options. Use this week to gather facts: talk with the Careers Service to explore alternative degrees.
Hope this helps!😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism

Reply 8

Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear you have been feeling this way.I know it can be really tricky when you start university as everything is so different and I completely understand how you are feeling at the moment.

Firstly, I would say it is completely fine to change your mind on what you want to do! If there is another course you think you would prefer, you can try and transfer, or start again next year on a new course at a new uni if this is what you really want to do. However, I would just make sure you are doing this because you actually don't like the course, rather than not liking the uni as you don't want to change courses and then regret it. If you are really not enjoying being at your uni you could try and transfer to a different one, but this is very dependent on your grades as you said, and if there is another one you would want to swap to. Talk to your friends and family about this as I think they often have a good perspective on this and I always find this helps!

In terms of not really enjoying the uni that you are at, this is understandable and lots more people than you would probably think feel the same way as you. If you don't drink this is completely fine and there are still loads of other things you can do - have you looked to see if there are any sober societies, or even just any that have socials which aren't always drinking. Often the SU will do fun events which don't involve a night out too so have a look as you might start to enjoy things more if you meet some like minded people.

I know that money can be a tricky thing at uni and the cost of living is a lot at the moment so I understand this. The thing that has really helped me with this is to create a weekly budget and try and stick to this as much as I possibly can. It's good to do little things too like planning your food shop before you go and trying to batch cook!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 9

Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Hey there, sorry to hear you're feeling this way! It sounds like you're already doing the right thing by reflecting on whether it's the course itself that doesn't feel right, or the uni experience as a whole. A lot of students find the social side doesn't fit them, and that's totally okay - there's plenty of ohter ways to find your space at uni, like through societies or quieter study groups.

If it's more about law itself, maybe try giving it a few more weeks to get into modules properly - sometimes the start can feel dry before the more interesting topics come in.

For your money concerns, I would suggest lowering what you can as far down as it can go. For example, planning your whole weeks meals and buying exactly what you need for each.

Just remember to keep opening up to others, whether it's friends/family or student support services, it's best to take the pressure of yourself as much you can!

All the best,
Innaya,
MMU Student Rep x

Reply 10

Hi there,
I am also a law student at Kent. Your feelings are valid and as others have said it is very common to feel this way especially at the begining when you are still new to uni life and your course.

To support students settle and make friends on campus, Kent has a Res life team. You can find out their contact details here. There are multiple upcoming res life events which are exclusive to students living on-campus and a lot of them are not drinking focussed such as mindfulness crafts, movie night, badminton and many more. You can find the full list here.

I also do not drink ( i attend events where alcohol is served, I just don’t drink yet) and initially thought it would limit my social life but there are many society events which does not involve clubbing such as movie nights. I think joining some of the law societies ( there are multiple) might be good as it is a great way to meet other people from your course and make friends. Societies also arrange academic events where lawyers and other professionals are attending which is a great way to network and ask questions. There are over 250 Societies on campus and I would suggest joining a society that aligns with your hobbies as that might give you something fun to look forward to and also meet people who shares your interest.

I think to figure out if its law that makes you unexcited or the stress of settling in university, I think it might be helpful to reflect on what you feel, do you feel stressed and anxious because you are away from home and in a new environment or you find the topics in law uninteresting which does not align with your passion. I think attending a few socials by law societies might help you discover if you actually like law and since those socials have both academic and social elements it might feel less draining to attend.

In terms of mental health, if you are feeling down please reach out to the uni’s Support and wellbeing team. I have reached out to spectrum, which is open 24/7, when I was overwhelmed with academic pressure and I found the counsellor supportive and helpful.
The university’s Financial support team might also support you with the money concerns, through help with budgeting, finding a part time job or through Emergency hardship funds.

Additionally, with AAB you would still be eligible to apply to most international law firms provided you meet the other criteria. You can find the full list of firm’s eligibility criteria Here. If you have any questions about uni life or about law, please feel free to reach out.

Best wishes
Srijita
Uni of Kent student reps



Original post
by trustland
Hi guys, I'm just looking for some advice about my position at university.
I just started studying Law at the University of Kent as an undergraduate. So far, I've had pretty neutral feelings about the course. But I have to be honest, I don't feel naturally excited, or like I want to be here. I know it sounds bad. There's nothing I'm really looking forward to, and so I just don't know whether it's worth staying here.
My teachers gave me high praise at A-level which I was grateful for and I got AAB (technically A, B, Distinction at BTEC). I know that for Law, everything is competitive from day one. What uni you go to matters as well. Of course, while AAB might be good for other courses at universities, for Law, I feel it can rule out your options. I've wanted to study law since doing so at A-level (or thought I did).
I've been trying to pinpoint why I feel this way about uni. Part of it I think is just not having much interest in the student life and culture of drinking, clubbing etc. The money is also a big thing. I think asking myself whether I enjoy uni and enjoy law are two different questions. I spoke to an advisor here who said something to the tune of "only you can make the decision at the end of the day".
Commuting here isn't an option for me, though looking back, could have worked well if there was another suitable university close to me. But due to grades, I don't think this would be viable.
I'm just in such conflict about it, and feel there are big pros and cons to staying or going home. Appreciate any advice, thank you so much.

Quick Reply