Really unsure if I want to go back to university

2

Hello, currently a first year undergraduate and I really don’t know if I want to go back to university. I’ve had issues with mental health since before starting at university, and find it very difficult to organise myself and my life at university. My attendance isn’t great, but I’m completing the work and seem to be getting on with it ok…even if I’m not a huge fan of the course. I’m wondering whether it would be better to try and stick the course out for a bit longer, but given I’m just not enjoying the uni experience at all, not entirely sure if I should stay the course or leave in a few weeks.

Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

Zarek

21

I would seek out support and advice from Student Services, which should be available through your SU. And also get the right health care from your GP. It is an important decision that needs reflection and thoughts about what’s next if you do decide to leave. Is it temporary until your mental wellbeing improves, do you want to change course or follow another direction. Good luck

Reply 2

broadoaks

OP

2

Original post

by Zarek

I would seek out support and advice from Student Services, which should be available through your SU. And also get the right health care from your GP. It is an important decision that needs reflection and thoughts about what’s next if you do decide to leave. Is it temporary until your mental wellbeing improves, do you want to change course or follow another direction. Good luck

I’ve received support but the support is coming too slowly, and given how I’ve been for the best part of the last semester, don’t really want to be that depressed and lethargic again.

I’ve had thoughts about switching courses from the very beginning but didn’t end up doing so in the first few weeks as wanted to see if I gelled with my current course. Personally, I don’t think I do with some bits, but most importantly, I just feel so overwhelmed and unable to keep to deadlines that I just don’t want to stay at uni anymore. I have no idea what id do for the remainder of the academic year, but my dread for my degree is clearly not normal

Reply 3

Zarek

21

Original post

by broadoaks

I’ve received support but the support is coming too slowly, and given how I’ve been for the best part of the last semester, don’t really want to be that depressed and lethargic again.
I’ve had thoughts about switching courses from the very beginning but didn’t end up doing so in the first few weeks as wanted to see if I gelled with my current course. Personally, I don’t think I do with some bits, but most importantly, I just feel so overwhelmed and unable to keep to deadlines that I just don’t want to stay at uni anymore. I have no idea what id do for the remainder of the academic year, but my dread for my degree is clearly not normal

Doesn’t sound good, maybe you need a break for your wellbeing. If you’ve kept up with the work there may be flexibility to defer. I would see if you can find someone to talk through options with. And call upon any support you can from friends and family.

Reply 4

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by broadoaks

Hello, currently a first year undergraduate and I really don’t know if I want to go back to university. I’ve had issues with mental health since before starting at university, and find it very difficult to organise myself and my life at university. My attendance isn’t great, but I’m completing the work and seem to be getting on with it ok…even if I’m not a huge fan of the course. I’m wondering whether it would be better to try and stick the course out for a bit longer, but given I’m just not enjoying the uni experience at all, not entirely sure if I should stay the course or leave in a few weeks.
Thanks :smile:

Hi there,

Sorry you’re feeling like this — honestly, a lot of first-years go through something very similar, especially if they’ve already had mental health struggles before starting uni. The first year can be really overwhelming, and not enjoying the “uni experience” doesn’t mean you’re failing or doing anything wrong.

It’s actually a good sign that you’re keeping up with the work and passing, even if attendance isn’t great. That shows you can do the academic side — the bigger issue sounds like how you’re coping overall and whether the course/environment is right for you.

Before making a decision to leave in a few weeks, it’s really worth talking to someone at DMU first. Your personal tutor or Student Wellbeing can help you think through options without pressure. You’re not locked into an all-or-nothing choice — people often don’t realise there are other routes, like:

•

Taking a break from uni (interruption of studies) to focus on your mental health

•

Switching courses if this one just isn’t for you

•

Getting extra support/adjustments that make uni more manageable

If your mental health is struggling, pushing through without support usually makes things harder, not easier — but leaving without exploring your options can also lead to “what if?” later on. Speaking to support doesn’t commit you to staying; it just gives you clarity.

Whatever you decide, your wellbeing comes first. Uni will still be there later if you step away, and staying only makes sense if it’s not damaging your health.

Best wishes,
Elmehdi - DMU representative and current student

Reply 5

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by broadoaks

Hello, currently a first year undergraduate and I really don’t know if I want to go back to university. I’ve had issues with mental health since before starting at university, and find it very difficult to organise myself and my life at university. My attendance isn’t great, but I’m completing the work and seem to be getting on with it ok…even if I’m not a huge fan of the course. I’m wondering whether it would be better to try and stick the course out for a bit longer, but given I’m just not enjoying the uni experience at all, not entirely sure if I should stay the course or leave in a few weeks.
Thanks :smile:

Hi there,

Firstly, I am sorry that you have been struggling while you have been at uni so far.

I think the best thing to do is to talk to the support teams at your uni. They are the best people there to talk to about how you are feeling at uni and there should be plenty of support for you. Talk to the student support team, or your personal tutor if you have one as they are very good people to help you with things like this and can support you if you do decide to go back.

Talk to your friends and family too as they will be able to have a good conversations with you about the pros and cons of whether you stay or not. I know it sounds a bit trivial, but I always find writing things down helps and I always make a pros and cons list for any issue, just so you can clearly see what is keeping you at uni, and what may be reasons to leave. You can then see which column has more, or which has more important items.

You need to do what is best for you - is the degree essential for your career? If so, there is more of a reason to stay. Or, if you think you could get into the career you want to do without the degree, this could be more of a reason to leave.

There is also the option to have a year out and then either go back or apply for another uni. There will always be an option to go back if you want to so don't rule out the idea of having a year out if that is what you think is best.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy - SHU student ambassador.

Reply 6

McGinger

20

What subject are you studying?
Would a local apprenticeship or traineeship be a better idea?

Reply 7

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by broadoaks

Hello, currently a first year undergraduate and I really don’t know if I want to go back to university. I’ve had issues with mental health since before starting at university, and find it very difficult to organise myself and my life at university. My attendance isn’t great, but I’m completing the work and seem to be getting on with it ok…even if I’m not a huge fan of the course. I’m wondering whether it would be better to try and stick the course out for a bit longer, but given I’m just not enjoying the uni experience at all, not entirely sure if I should stay the course or leave in a few weeks.
Thanks :smile:

Hey there,

Many students experience this, especially in first year, where the transition to university life can feel overwhelming. The fact that you are still completing your work and keeping up academically shows real resilience, even if attendance and enjoyment feel difficult right now.

At LSBU, we have a very diverse student community who have taken different routes into higher education. Many of our students balance study with work, family responsibilities, or ongoing personal challenges, so you would not be alone in feeling this way. The university understands that not everyone fits into one version of the traditional university experience, and there is support available to help students organise their studies, manage wellbeing, and explore options such as course changes or taking time to adjust at a pace that works for them.

If you are unsure whether to stay or leave, it can sometimes help to pause before making a final decision and speak with academic or student support teams to understand what flexibility exists. University does not have to be all or nothing, and your wellbeing should always come first. Whatever you decide, it does not define your ability or your future, and many students find their path is not always a straight line.

I hope that helps!

LSBU Admissions Ambassador

Reply 8

broadoaks

OP

2

Original post

by McGinger

What subject are you studying?
Would a local apprenticeship or traineeship be a better idea?

doing maths but do not gel with it. really wish I’d picked engineering or something more practical.

I am considering apprenticeships, I think a huge part of the problem is the lack of structure within my life.

Reply 9

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

14

Original post

by broadoaks

Hello, currently a first year undergraduate and I really don’t know if I want to go back to university. I’ve had issues with mental health since before starting at university, and find it very difficult to organise myself and my life at university. My attendance isn’t great, but I’m completing the work and seem to be getting on with it ok…even if I’m not a huge fan of the course. I’m wondering whether it would be better to try and stick the course out for a bit longer, but given I’m just not enjoying the uni experience at all, not entirely sure if I should stay the course or leave in a few weeks.
Thanks :smile:

Hi @broadoaks🖐️

Hope you are well. I would strongly recommend you talk to your student wellbeing team or your student advisor/personal tutor as they can help advise you on options!

Essex Student Rep- Lavanya 💜

Reply 10

Scotney

20

Original post

by broadoaks

doing maths but do not gel with it. really wish I’d picked engineering or something more practical.
I am considering apprenticeships, I think a huge part of the problem is the lack of structure within my life.

I think that may well be the way to go for you.Nephew decided on this route He worked four days a week and spent one day at uni .Ended up with a job,degree,earnings and no debt.He just felt uni life was not for him despite all his fruends and cousins going that route.

Reply 11

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

14

Original post

by broadoaks

doing maths but do not gel with it. really wish I’d picked engineering or something more practical.
I am considering apprenticeships, I think a huge part of the problem is the lack of structure within my life.

Hello,

Have you contacted your student support services? If you’re more of a practical learner then apprenticeships are definitely better for you. A big problem with starting uni is finding your own routine when the degree is mostly theory and lecture-based.

-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Really unsure if I want to go back to university

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