01 Mar 2021

It can be reality-crumbling, anxiety-inducing and brain-meltingly terrifying to realise that your uni degree that seemed oh-so-right mere months ago is now oh-so-wrong.

At least a quarter of the friends I met at uni had transferred from another degree. Some realised that studying law not out of passion, but just because they got in was probably not a red hot choice. Others felt pressured by their family to pursue something that they had lukewarm feelings for. A lot of them had been passionate about philosophy, history, biomedical science, nursing or teaching for years and years, but when it actually came to study it, it just wasn't for them.

I mean, you can attend all of the open days, shmooze with all the lecturers and read through all of the course information provided and still end up sitting in classes wondering why you're there, watching your grades slip and feeling your motivation disappear. 

People change! Dreams, choices and passions change with them! It's okay to realise your uni degree isn't for you. In fact, thank your mind and body for signalling that this isn't right for you now rather than later! 

It's more than okay to realise you chose the wrong degree. Here's what you can do about it!

1. Talk to your course advisor or counsellor

It's time to talk to people. Reach out to your family members and friends for advice. 

The person who can really help you is your course advisor or counsellor. By telling them why this course isn't working for you, they'll be able to map out how and when you can transfer into a different course, if you can gain credit, what course would be right for you... etc. 

Some transfers will be easier than others (like if you are swapping from history to english, no problem, or from business to marketing). Others might be a little bit more nuanced. But hey, my mate went from biology to politics to acting (and she's STOKED now! You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs aye!) so be as bold as you want and your course advisor will be able to help you!

2. Figure out your options

If you know what course you want to transfer to, do it!

If you're not so sure and feel like you're at square one again, don't panic! Spend time researching courses - talk to students in the course, watch youtube videos, read articles, analyse the units and classes...

Maybe you think a new university is what you need, or a different type of study (from a higher education degree to a VET course or vice versa). Maybe you want to take a break altogether to spend time really weighing up your options, perhaps through research and short courses!

The thing is, there's no rush. Seriously, take a breather. So much pressure is put on us when we're still teenagers to figure out our life's path but jeez, we have soooo much time!

3. Take the leap with your uni degree

You might feel like you'll be behind or scared that you're making the right option. But all I can say now is take the leap! Sennnnnd it. You deserve to be happy in your uni degree so don't stress about cracking a few eggs.