Struggling deciding where to apply to/Uni rant

Hi,

So I’m currently a first-year history student at a RG Uni down south and although I was really privileged to get in, I’ve realised it’s really not for me. I’m really not a fan of the uni dynamic in how it’s support network for students (I’m an estranged student for context) isn’t great in terms of actual support. Additionally, my tutor is not much helps with regards to pastoral support and in our first and only meeting he said I ‘hopefully shouldn’t have to see him again’ if all goes well. The history taught on the course is okay but I don’t find it that interesting and I haven’t really been able to connect with anybody on my course in terms of making friends (I know a few people but we’re more acquaintances) and I find some of the lecturers particularly rude and snobbish over small mistakes (I forgot a comma on a practice reference during our seminar).

I have a friend here already from school and I go to societies so I’m not struggling in that department, but I really regret moving back down south. I took a gap year last year due to just poor A-Levels and stayed with a friend in the Midlands and I really preferred it compared to the south where I’ve lived all over and spent most of my life here. My grandmother really wants me to study in London and move in with her (I already live with her when university is not on) but I don’t think the Uni life in London is really for me and I quite like my independence. That said I’ve decided to transfer after much discussion and I’ve applied for three unis in London but I’d really like to apply somewhere either in the midlands or the north because I feel like I can keep my independence there and as I said I have friends there, though I wouldn’t want to upset my grandmother. So i’m kinda torn on what to do here and any advice would be much appreciated.

Also sorry for the long paragraphs but had to rant a bit.

Reply 1

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Hello there, I am Maristella. I study in Coventry University and I am more than happy to give you a different perspective on this.
It sounds like an incredibly challenging situation, and, understandably, you're feeling a pull in different directions. It takes a lot of maturity to recognise that your current university isn't providing the right academic challenge or, more importantly, the level of support you need. I can imagine how disappointing this lack of understanding from your tutor is.

You've clearly identified what makes you happy: the independence and the friendly, vibrant environment you found up North or in the Midlands, where you already have a network of friends.
While your grandmother's offer comes from a place of love, and I totally get how you feel, I believe it is important to remember that this is your degree, and your best chance of succeeding is to be in an environment where you feel genuinely supported and engaged.

I'd definitely encourage you to explore the options that are more appealing to you while considering potential challenges and maybe make a list of Pros and Cons for each scenario 😎.
In general, maybe finding a place where you can keep your independence and be closer to people you connect with will be invaluable, and a heart-to-heart with your grandmother, explaining that whatever choice you make is essential for your future success, should help.

Ultimately, the best decision is the one that makes you happiest and puts you in the strongest position to thrive!

Good luck 😃

Reply 2

C5MERON

Original post

by Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Hello there, I am Maristella. I study in Coventry University and I am more than happy to give you a different perspective on this.
It sounds like an incredibly challenging situation, and, understandably, you're feeling a pull in different directions. It takes a lot of maturity to recognise that your current university isn't providing the right academic challenge or, more importantly, the level of support you need. I can imagine how disappointing this lack of understanding from your tutor is.
You've clearly identified what makes you happy: the independence and the friendly, vibrant environment you found up North or in the Midlands, where you already have a network of friends.
While your grandmother's offer comes from a place of love, and I totally get how you feel, I believe it is important to remember that this is your degree, and your best chance of succeeding is to be in an environment where you feel genuinely supported and engaged.
I'd definitely encourage you to explore the options that are more appealing to you while considering potential challenges and maybe make a list of Pros and Cons for each scenario 😎.
In general, maybe finding a place where you can keep your independence and be closer to people you connect with will be invaluable, and a heart-to-heart with your grandmother, explaining that whatever choice you make is essential for your future success, should help.
Ultimately, the best decision is the one that makes you happiest and puts you in the strongest position to thrive!
Good luck 😃

Thank you for your response, that was really helpful in making me see things more clearly especially without feeling like I’m letting anybody down or upsetting my grandmother. I definitely will apply to some Unis now in the North and Midlands so thanks again

Reply 3

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi there,

I'm so sorry you haven't had a great experience at your current university. I totally agree with what Maristella said, especially about making a pros and cons list of staying in London vs moving further north! You can always apply to some further out from London and then choose one of the London uni's you've applied to if you change your mind ☺️

I'm not sure whereabouts in the north/midlands you were thinking of applying to, but I'd love to tell you a little about LJMU!

I'm not an estranged student myself, but I've genuinely received so much support whilst being at LJMU and I really believe the support services here are amazing! They have great staff dedicated to helping students with almost everything you could think of. Here is the link to our support services (Student Advice and Wellbeing) page:
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/student-support

We also can offer support for estranged students (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/student-support/inclusion/estranged-students)

I also have a friend on the BA History course here in third year, and he really loves it! He even got to spend a semester studying in Hong Kong in his second year 🤩

Here is the link to the course if you wanted to take a look: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/30495-history-ba-hons
The first year only has core modules, but years 2 and 3 have so many options to choose from, so you can tailor the rest of the course to your study interests 😄

I've also loved being in Liverpool! I'd definitely recommend a visit if you've never been before, but I've found it one of the friendliest places I've been to and I've found it quite affordable as well, with the accommodation being some of the most affordable student accoms in the UK at the moment!

Good luck with your applications and decisions!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)

Reply 4

C5MERON

Original post

by LJMUStudentReps

Hi there,
I'm so sorry you haven't had a great experience at your current university. I totally agree with what Maristella said, especially about making a pros and cons list of staying in London vs moving further north! You can always apply to some further out from London and then choose one of the London uni's you've applied to if you change your mind ☺️
I'm not sure whereabouts in the north/midlands you were thinking of applying to, but I'd love to tell you a little about LJMU!
I'm not an estranged student myself, but I've genuinely received so much support whilst being at LJMU and I really believe the support services here are amazing! They have great staff dedicated to helping students with almost everything you could think of. Here is the link to our support services (Student Advice and Wellbeing) page:
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/student-support
We also can offer support for estranged students (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/student-support/inclusion/estranged-students)
I also have a friend on the BA History course here in third year, and he really loves it! He even got to spend a semester studying in Hong Kong in his second year 🤩
Here is the link to the course if you wanted to take a look: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/30495-history-ba-hons
The first year only has core modules, but years 2 and 3 have so many options to choose from, so you can tailor the rest of the course to your study interests 😄
I've also loved being in Liverpool! I'd definitely recommend a visit if you've never been before, but I've found it one of the friendliest places I've been to and I've found it quite affordable as well, with the accommodation being some of the most affordable student accoms in the UK at the moment!
Good luck with your applications and decisions!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)

Hey, thanks for this. I am considering applying to study in Liverpool and when I visited the city before, I really liked it there. I’ll take a look at the links you provided and thanks again