Confused about uni as a first year

So I started uni at SOAS in September this year, I applied through clearing despite getting into my firm at loughborough for IR now im studying IR and law (not LLB) and I honestly really regret rejecting loughborough. I got BBC and the fact that I got into lbro is a privilege I cant believe I rejected it, my experience at SOAS so far has been below expectation firstly the commute is draining but also the environment isnt really friendly I found it so hard to make friends and meet people. not only this but soas doesn't even do a placement year in industry which is something I wish I looked into before clearing, there are some good things like some of my lecturers are amazing but honestly im considering dropping out or applying to UCAS again. however that said its really early and idk if I should just stick it out for the 3 years?

also is anyone here familiar with the process of applying to ucas whilst being in university and potentially completing year 1, the thing is if I get an offer from other unis (exeter, lbro, Nottingham) idm withdrawing from soas but idk how to say that in ucas? who do I even go to? my older school or soas?

So I started uni at SOAS in September this year, I applied through clearing despite getting into my firm at loughborough for IR now im studying IR and law (not LLB) and I honestly really regret rejecting loughborough. I got BBC and the fact that I got into lbro is a privilege I cant believe I rejected it, my experience at SOAS so far has been below expectation firstly the commute is draining but also the environment isnt really friendly I found it so hard to make friends and meet people. not only this but soas doesn't even do a placement year in industry which is something I wish I looked into before clearing, there are some good things like some of my lecturers are amazing but honestly im considering dropping out or applying to UCAS again. however that said its really early and idk if I should just stick it out for the 3 years?

Hiya, hope you're well.
To transfer from SOAS to another university for second-year entry, you should first discuss your options with a SOAS academic advisor (you would have been assigned one at this point; if not, speak to someone from your department office) or speak to your programme convenor. Moreover, communicate with Student Services, located in the Student Hub of the Paul Webley Wing of Senate House, to help guide you with the next steps of this process. Then apply to the new university/ies through the standard process (e.g., you'll need to apply via UCAS in time for the January equal consideration deadline, which is Wednesday, 14 January 2026, for an undergraduate course). You'll need a confirmed offer for you to be able to transfer. You'll need to provide a reference from an academic professor/advisor from SOAS who is familiar with your academic capabilities. Universities will evaluate your academic performance (based on your first-year grade and transcript) and whether your previous first-year modules fit within their course curriculum. It is crucial to contact your SOAS department and the Student Advice and Wellbeing team to understand the implications for your funding, visa, and the formal process of withdrawal.
Before you apply:
Hope this helps,
SOAS Student Rep
BA Global Liberal Arts

Contact Loughborough and see if they would be likely to accept you with those grades as a 'normal' application, or if this was just a Clearing offer 'to fill the course'. Also ask if they might accept your Year1 grades from SOAS and allow you straight into Year2 - if they would, then you need to work your socks off to get top grades this year.

yeaa I contacted loughborough they do actually accept my grades despite the offer being ABB so I dont think its just a clearing thing? I may be wrong but I emailed them and they said i would need to reapply from January for first year entry as my course currently is IR with law but they dont do that course they do just IR. to be honest I dont mind completing the year here at SOAS I'll definitely try my best in any case, it is hard to stay motivated with the mindset im currently in tho haha but can't afford to fail ofc so yea I just hope SOAS can give predicted grades or something that can support my reapplication for y1? not sure if thats something unis do

thank you so much for your reply, I have emailed my academic advisor but they haven't replied so I may go talk to them in person. also im not looking to transfer im actually thinking of first year entry, would the process for that be different? I want to change my course slightly from IR and law to IR with french so I dont think transferring is possible anyway, also would I need predicted grades from soas? thank you for your detailed response really appreicate it

Hey there,
I would definitely recommend going to see your academic advisor in person. If you don't know their office number, if you search on the SOAS website you will find it on their academic page.
In terms of your application, it would be similar to your previous UCAS application cycle. I would recommend you go onto campus and speak to the offices that Humayra has recommended. Registry can be found in Senate House, Floor 3 in S324. They will be able to answer your question regarding what transcripts you will need. It would also be worth getting into contact with the university that you would like to go to, to ask them what they require from a first year transfer onto second year or if you decide to take a year out, whether you would be able to get a place.
Whatever the case, please do speak to staff and don't make any decisions until you know all your options. It may be best not to drop out until you know you have a spot at another university. It is always best to ask the university you are applying to what their requirements are.
Any more questions, please do let us know.
-- SOAS Student Rep

okay thank youu, yea I dont want to make any rash decisions after all I will certainly talk to the advisors you have mentioned. im also definitely going to wait and make any descions slowly rather than rushing into a ucas application to see if I should simply stay or move uni as there are pros and cons to it, soas is really amazing because of the lecturers I must say its academics are something that shouldn't be taken for granted but the question of is it the right one for me remains for me to decide on. thank you for your advice