Do I drop out?
I’ve started my course down at Bristol for mechanical engineering, while I don’t mind the course too much I just haven’t really like uni all that much and it is not what I was expecting it to be, while I do go out with societies that’s about it as I can’t find real friends else where and it’s really getting me down, I’m just wondering what I should do.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Reply 1
I wrote such a long essay and put my heart and soul into it only for it to be deleted - let me just summarise what I said into brief points:
1. Friends
- be social, approach everyone with the same energy and certain people will naturally gravitate toward you
- easier said than done but truly get out the comfort zone and practice being the person YOU would want to hang out with
- it’s only been a month or two since you will have started uni - people may still be finding themselves as well so give it some time
2. Distance from home
- I don’t have much experience but video call with parents as much as possible and visit home as much as possible
- I am sorry if this isn’t helpful as I don’t have experience living away from home
3. Uni/course
- speak to a lecturer, personal tutor, the student union or someone in that field
- 9 times out of 10 someone will be willing to help and advise you on the next steps
- ensure you speak to someone about this to allow yourself some space to think about other things, please don’t let this consume your being
- think about the grand scheme of things - is a few years of mediocre university life going to matter when you fulfil your potential, secure that job and start your real adult life?
Take this with a pinch of salt and there may be others who disagree, but wait it out. Definitely speak to someone, but wait it out. Focus your energy on how you are going to crush your exams, be the best student in your cohort, and focus on networking to help secure opportunities before and after graduation.
I hope this helps in some way. This is just my mindset as someone who is career oriented and ambitious - it depends on what you want out of life.
If you want a great career and opportunities, stay at university and lock in - shock everyone with your success.
If you’re more worried about social life, I’d say while it is important, you can certainly make do without one, or a small one. Friends will come and go but not your degree.
This isn’t to say don’t make friends, but rather don’t worry if you can’t make friends. You will look back and giggle at the thought of worrying over something which may currently seem substantial, but turns out not to be in the long run.
I will stop here so I don’t ramble on, but best of luck and just know that whatever you choose will be the best option.
1. Friends
- be social, approach everyone with the same energy and certain people will naturally gravitate toward you
- easier said than done but truly get out the comfort zone and practice being the person YOU would want to hang out with
- it’s only been a month or two since you will have started uni - people may still be finding themselves as well so give it some time
2. Distance from home
- I don’t have much experience but video call with parents as much as possible and visit home as much as possible
- I am sorry if this isn’t helpful as I don’t have experience living away from home
3. Uni/course
- speak to a lecturer, personal tutor, the student union or someone in that field
- 9 times out of 10 someone will be willing to help and advise you on the next steps
- ensure you speak to someone about this to allow yourself some space to think about other things, please don’t let this consume your being
- think about the grand scheme of things - is a few years of mediocre university life going to matter when you fulfil your potential, secure that job and start your real adult life?
Take this with a pinch of salt and there may be others who disagree, but wait it out. Definitely speak to someone, but wait it out. Focus your energy on how you are going to crush your exams, be the best student in your cohort, and focus on networking to help secure opportunities before and after graduation.
I hope this helps in some way. This is just my mindset as someone who is career oriented and ambitious - it depends on what you want out of life.
If you want a great career and opportunities, stay at university and lock in - shock everyone with your success.
If you’re more worried about social life, I’d say while it is important, you can certainly make do without one, or a small one. Friends will come and go but not your degree.
This isn’t to say don’t make friends, but rather don’t worry if you can’t make friends. You will look back and giggle at the thought of worrying over something which may currently seem substantial, but turns out not to be in the long run.
I will stop here so I don’t ramble on, but best of luck and just know that whatever you choose will be the best option.
Reply 2
Also regarding degree apprenticeships you can’t really go wrong if you aren’t majorly bothered about “missing out” on university and don’t mind a good challenge. I am not experienced in the apprenticeship field so I am not the best person to speak on this, but I know people doing degree apprenticeships who are able to provide for themselves and their families really early on in their career because they are earning while studying/working. You also don’t have the burden of student loans being taken out your salary which could mean more earnings compared to post graduation from uni. Again, take this with a pinch of salt as I am not too informed on this topic but I hope this resonates with you in some way
Reply 3
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve started my course down at Bristol for mechanical engineering, while I don’t mind the course too much I just haven’t really like uni all that much and it is not what I was expecting it to be, while I do go out with societies that’s about it as I can’t find real friends else where and it’s really getting me down, I’m just wondering what I should do.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
I totally get where you’re coming from, starting uni and feeling like it’s not what you expected can be really disheartening. The first year is always an adjustment period, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit lost socially, even if the course itself isn’t terrible. A lot of people take time to find their people, and sometimes it just clicks later in the year once you’ve settled into routines, met different groups, or joined smaller societies or interest-based activities.
It might help to give yourself some time to really explore your options before making any big decisions. You could stick it out this first term or semester, while also researching degree apprenticeships and other paths closer to home. That way, you’re not closing doors, you’re just gathering information and figuring out what feels right for you.
In the meantime, try to focus on small ways to make connections…. study groups, project work, or societies where you share a genuine interest rather than just socialising for the sake of it. Even a few people who click with you can make a massive difference in how you feel day-to-day.
If the stress and unhappiness start to feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to your uni’s wellbeing or counselling services. Talking things through with someone impartial can really help clarify your thoughts and options.
Ultimately, there’s no one “right” path…whether you stick it out, transfer, or apply for apprenticeships, what matters most is finding something that feels fulfilling and sustainable for you. Right now, the best step is to give yourself time, seek support, and explore your options before making any big decisions.
Good luck moving forward! Sophie 🙂
Reply 4
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve started my course down at Bristol for mechanical engineering, while I don’t mind the course too much I just haven’t really like uni all that much and it is not what I was expecting it to be, while I do go out with societies that’s about it as I can’t find real friends else where and it’s really getting me down, I’m just wondering what I should do.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear you have been feeling this way while at Uni so far.
In terms of making friends, here are some ways that I have made friends while at uni just in case any helps you:
•
See if your SU puts any events on as these are great ways of meeting new people and making some new friends. It is worth having a look and seeing if there are any that you may be interested in as you might end up meeting some lovely people here and you might try something new that is fun too!
•
You could also have a look and see if there are any local clubs in your area that you might enjoy as these are great ways of meeting lots of people who aren't necessarily connected to your uni. I know there are usually sports clubs, like football teams or run clubs so it may be worth a look!
•
Looking on social media is often a great way of meeting people too as you can meet people on here who you wouldn't necessarily meet in person and it can also be less daunting sometimes meeting people online! There are often groups on Facebook where you can meet people which is worth looking at.
It's also really up to you whether you feel you want to stick it out or try something else. If the course is something you really enjoy and think you want to do in your future then it is worth sticking it out! You can always talk to your tutors or your academic advisor/personal tutor if you are struggling as they are there to help you out!
I hope some of this helps and I hope things improve for you soon.
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve started my course down at Bristol for mechanical engineering, while I don’t mind the course too much I just haven’t really like uni all that much and it is not what I was expecting it to be, while I do go out with societies that’s about it as I can’t find real friends else where and it’s really getting me down, I’m just wondering what I should do.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Hi Anon,
Really sorry to hear you aren't having the best time at uni so far - I get how that can be disheartening.
I'd like to reassure you though that, meeting people/finding friends and people with similar interests to you is not an instantaneous thing, and with time and experience it does get easier. Why not join a mech eng society at uni? Apply to become a student ambassador for part time work? Both are great ways of speeding up the process of meeting different people.
If you like your course and are happy studying it, then that is a big plus. I would not be put off by the first few awkward weeks of being new at uni. Whilst its completely your call to make, if I were in your shoes I would stay for year 1 and try to get the absolute most out of it I could, then at the end of that re-evaluate where my head is and what would be best going forward. After year 1, you could ask other unis about the possibility for transfers or, as you said, look into degree apprenticeships.
The one thing I'd say is that you are not stuck anywhere - you are 100% in control of your situation and if you want things to change then you have the power to change it.
I hope this has helped a bit, best of luck 🙂
Reply 6
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve started my course down at Bristol for mechanical engineering, while I don’t mind the course too much I just haven’t really like uni all that much and it is not what I was expecting it to be, while I do go out with societies that’s about it as I can’t find real friends else where and it’s really getting me down, I’m just wondering what I should do.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Should I stick out the first year then drop out ?
Apply for degree apprenticeships near home?
I’m really stuck and don’t know what to do at all.
Hey,
I totally understand why you're feeling stuck right now. It's really tough when uni life doesn't live up to the hype, even if you don't mind the course!
You don't need to make a massive decision right now.
Here are the best tips for you:
1.
Friendships: Since you already attend societies, the goal is to make those casual connections stick. When the event ends, ask someone you enjoyed talking to for a low-pressure activity right away: "Hey, that was fun. I'm grabbing a coffee near the union, want to join for five minutes?" This moves the bond outside the society bubble.
2.
Course Connections: Use your Mechanical Engineering course to bond. Turn to the person next to you in a practical or lecture and use a practical opener: "Did you manage to understand that last section?" or "Are you heading to the lab after this?"
3.
Explore Options: Use your time to gather facts:
4.
Speak to a Career Advisor: They can give you an objective comparison of a Bristol degree versus a degree apprenticeship near home and help you decide which path makes the most sense for your future.
5.
If you like the course but hate Bristol, research internal transfer options to a university closer to home.
Hope this helps!😊
Rachel
(Third year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Should I drop out of year 12?
- Dropping an a-level
- Student finance if dropping out
- Graduate entry medicine over PA
- Do I have to play back my bursary if I quit my PGCE?
- Switching courses after first year and student finance
- Is it wise to drop one of my a levels for the final year?
- Pros and cons of dropping out of year 12
- Debating dropping out
- A level choices for an aspiring pilot
- Should I Drop EPQ?
- y12 Stuck, need advice
- should i do 4 alevels??
- Dropping a subject
- Compelling Personal Reasons
- Dropping a level
- Can I get onto another course with compelling reasons?
- Do I include my degree on my CV if I dropped out?
- yr 12 who hates one of their a-levels and wants to drop out because of it - advice?
- Want to drop an a level (4 to 3)
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 month ago
Laptop vs iPad for universityLast reply 6 months ago
living away from home for university- pros / cons, advice ?University life
15
15
Last reply 6 months ago
Should I Appeal an Academic Misconduct Finding at a UK University?Last reply 6 months ago
Will I be an outcast in uni if I don’t use social media?University life
14
13
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
