Don't know what I want to do with my life
Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
Original post
by pines34Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
Hey,
It honestly sounds like you’re in a really common situation, so try not to stress too much about it, a lot of people go through the same kind of uncertainty in the first year. It’s completely normal to start questioning whether your course or university is the right fit once you’ve settled in and experienced what the subject’s really like day to day.
It’s good that you still enjoy parts of geography, that’s a sign there’s something there that interests you, even if not every topic grabs your attention. First year can often feel a bit broad or dull because you’re covering all the core foundations, and it’s not until second year that you usually get to specialise in areas you actually like. So, it might genuinely improve once you can choose optional modules that focus on what you find engaging.
That said, if you’re consistently feeling uninspired or unmotivated, it’s worth reflecting on what you actually want out of your degree. You mentioned an interest in the arts and animation, even if you’re not 100% sure about pursuing that as a career, it might be something to explore on the side. Some unis even offer taster sessions or societies linked to creative work, so you could test that interest further before making a big switch.
As for moving universities, it’s not necessarily a bad decision if you feel that both the course and the environment aren’t working for you. But it’s important to separate whether it’s the subject itself that’s the issue, or just the uni experience where you are now. If it’s mainly about location, atmosphere, or teaching style, transferring to a different uni for the same course might make a huge difference. If it’s about the content, then looking into a different subject could be more worthwhile.
Maybe give yourself a bit of time to see how things develop but keep researching your options in the background so you’re prepared if you decide to make a change. It’s okay to not have everything figured out right now; a lot of people only find their path after exploring a few directions first.
Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative
Reply 2
Original post
by pines34Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
Hey,
I might not be familiar with Geography, but I totally get how you feel about suddenly losing your passion for a course. I had a similar experience: I truly loved a module related to broadcast and radio when I first started, but that passion faded away by my second year, and I ended up preferring my other modules instead.
So, I would say it really comes down to what you feel passionate about for your future career. If you need some structured advice, definitely reach out to these resources:
•
Academic Advice: Talk to your Academic Tutor for guidance on your current course and how things might change in Year 2.
•
Career Advice: Visit your Careers Advisor for some objective input on the stability and versatility of a Geography degree versus a career in the Arts.
•
Transfer Process: Ask your uni Student Hub to see what the process of moving universities would actually look like.
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Reply 3
Original post
by pines34Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
Hiya Lovely
What you’re feeling is actually really normal a lot of people find that their first year at uni isn’t quite what they expected, especially when it comes to subjects like geography that cover a really broad range of topics. It’s totally okay that you’re enjoying some parts more than others! I remeber my forst year and how i found some modules like photography not for me whilst modules like drug analysis more up my alley. The first year is often designed to give you a foundation, so once you get into second year and can choose modules that genuinely interest you, it often becomes much more enjoyable.
As for thinking about changing universities, that’s also a valid thing to consider — but before making any big decisions, it might help to figure out whether it’s mainly the course content or the university environment that’s making you feel unhappy. If it’s the place, a transfer could help. Maybe looking at othe universities and what modules they teaxh for their geography course. If it’s the course, maybe look into related subjects or joint honours that link geography with something creative, like environmental design, GIS, or digital mapping — there are actually quite a few areas that blend geography with technology and art. Or looking at the part of geography you enjoy and looking for a course more specific to that.
And don’t worry too much about not having everything figured out yet — you’re only in first year, and it’s really common to question your path around this time. Take your time to explore what you enjoy both in and outside of your degree. You’ll get more clarity as you go along 😌
Kind regards Aneta PhD Chemistry
Reply 4
Original post
by pines34Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
Hey @pines34,
Talk to your friends and family about how you're feeling, as well as your personal tutor. If you don't feel like Geography is the right path for you, it's advisable for you to take some out to consider your options and think about what you might do next. At the same time, you might just be experiencing an adjustment period to university life or the current modules you're studying might not be that engaging compared to the more tailored second-year content.
As mentioned above, try to gather some more information on your options before committing to any specific decision. Have you attended any Open Days/visited any of the universities you're considering transferring to? That might help you figure out whether it's the university or the course that isn't right for you at the moment.
Hope this helps and best of luck with whatever decision you come to,
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Reply 5
Original post
by pines34Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
Hi!
I would definitely recommend speaking to your personal tutor, especially if you’re considering a big change like moving universities. If it’s mainly the location or social fit you don’t like (rather than the course) you might be able to change halls, flatmates, get more involved in societies etc first.
On the course side, since you still enjoy parts of geography, it might be worth sticking it out until second year when you get more choice with modules. I’d suggest having a look ahead at the later year modules and see if those topics interest you more. For changing to animation, I’d similarly suggest doing more research into what kind of modules/assessments you’d be doing, what careers it could lead into, possibly speaking to some people studying such degrees etc. Even if you’re unsure about it as a career, it’s important to enjoy what you’re studying or at least feel like it’s worth it - uni is a big investment of time and money.
It’s totally normal to feel unsure about things in first year, so definitely don’t worry! You’ve still got plenty of time to figure things out, just focus on taking one step at a time.
Best wishes,
Jasmine (Student Ambassador)
Reply 6
Original post
by pines34Hello, I recently made a post but I'm in first year university doing geography and I'm just not sure what I want to do anymore. I've always enjoyed geography but it wasn't my favourite subject in A levels but I assumed that was because I found it difficult but now I'm thinking that I don't find it as interesting as I used to. Don't get me wrong some of it I love learning about which is good but a lot of what we're learning is so boring. Is this normal?
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
I am also considering moving universities because I don't really like where I am but I'm not sure if I should stick to geography or do something else. I've always had a big interest in the arts like animation and computer art which is cool but I don't know if I see myself doing it as a career. Also the fact that it's less reliable as a career with geography I can do whatever I want really.
So my question is do I stick with geography since I do enjoy it but not as much as I'd have liked? I'm hoping it will be better in year 2 when I'm learning stuff I pick to do but I'm not sure.
I also don't know if it's a bad decision to change universities or not
It honestly is normal to feel unsure, especially in first year when everything feels new, broad and sometimes just… boring. Loads of people assume university will instantly feel like a perfect fit, but the reality is that figuring out what you want can take time, and that’s okay.
I’ve been in a very similar place myself. Before I chose ODP, I went back and forth between so many different healthcare paths. I spent ages researching courses, digging into what the day-to-day job actually looked like, and exploring all the possible career routes each degree could lead to. Doing that helped me understand what genuinely suited me…not just what seemed reliable or what everyone said was sensible. And honestly, choosing something you’re genuinely passionate about and enjoy makes the biggest difference in the long run.
Even then, no matter how much you love your course, there will always be modules or topics that feel dull or draining. That’s completely normal. Every degree has bits that don’t spark anything, but that doesn’t mean the whole subject isn’t right for you.
If you’re not sure about geography anymore, it’s worth taking some time to explore your options properly. Look closely at different courses you’re drawn to, see what careers they lead into, and try to picture whether you could see yourself in those roles. Talk to lecturers, attend open days, chat with students on those courses and get a feel for what studying there is really like. Sometimes just having those conversations brings a lot of clarity.
And don’t rush into making a big decision. Talk things through with friends, family, or a personal tutor. Take your time to figure out what feels right rather than what feels urgent. If you do reach a point where this course really isn’t for you, it’s completely okay to step back. Taking time out isn’t a failure…it’s just giving yourself the space to choose the path that genuinely fits.
And please don’t worry about being late or wasting time. I didn’t go to uni until I was 28, and it was the best decision for me. There’s no deadline on figuring out your future. You’re not behind…you’re just figuring things out, and that’s exactly what this stage of life is for.
Whatever you decide, you’re allowed to take your time, ask questions, change your mind, and choose what actually makes you happy.
Good luck! You’ve got this! Sophie 🙂
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