Changing Direction

Explore your options

If you are looking to change your course or current direction, we can help you.

Feeling unsettled at university is fairly common. You have already taken the first steps towards overcoming your problem by looking for help.

Common issues include:

Course choice: disliking the subject you have chosen

University choice: perhaps you don’t feel it’s the right place for you

Financial worries: finding the cost of living difficult

Personal problems: feeling homesick, relationship issues, being lonely or study pressure

Future career plans: worrying if your course choice is relevant

Take some time to clarify your thoughts and feelings by working through the questions below. The next steps could also involve talking through these ideas, in confidence, with a careers consultant.

1. Briefly describe your current situation

(e.g. the course is not what I expected, I am finding the course difficult, I feel like I don’t fit in, I would prefer to go to a different university, my career ideas have changed etc.)

2. What were your reasons for choosing your current course?

3. Do you have ideas about what you would like to do next?

(e.g. I want to study a subject that leaves my options open, I would like a more vocational/practical course, I would prefer a particular style of course, I want to find full time work etc.)

4. What to do next

There two sections available to work through in your own time, to help you decide what you would like to do.

If you are thinking of changing course, work through Section A.

If you are considering leaving university, work through Section B.

If you are undecided you could work through both sections.

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Last updated: January 2026

Signed Off by: Nicky Norminton, Head of Careers Consultancy

Section A: Choosing An Alternative Course

If you are thinking about changing your course it is helpful to reflect on your past experience, what interests you, how you like to learn and what has motivated you to succeed in the past.

Write down any ideas about your preferred course, including practical issues that may affect your choice (e.g. subject interest, teaching style, assessment method, more vocational, geographical considerations).

Section B: Doing Something Else

If you are thinking about doing something else, please list a few answers to the questions below to explore your options.

Working (Paid)
What are the advantages of working? (e.g. to earn money, or to gain experience)
What are the possible disadvantages? (e.g. potential for limited job satisfaction and long-term prospects)

Voluntary Work
What are the advantages of voluntary work? (e.g. good work experience opportunity, positive impact on CV, opportunity for self-development)
What are the possible disadvantages? (e.g. unpaid)

Travelling
What are the advantages of going travelling? (e.g. experiencing cultural differences and taking some time out to explore your interests)
What are the possible disadvantages? (e.g. it could look like you’ve avoided making decisions, or it could be expensive)

Taking time out for other reasons
What are the advantages of this? (e.g. time for self-reflection and making decisions, or it may suit your personal circumstances)
What are the possible disadvantages? (e.g. you may find it hard to keep yourself focused, or you may encounter a lack of financial support)

My Action Plan

Reflecting on your answers to Section A or Section B, please create an action plan listing your options and the action you will take.

For example:

If your option is to transfer course, then your actions would be:

1. Identify alternative courses using UCAS and university websites

2. Contact Student Finance to find out implications of course change

Going through any transition can be an isolating and uncertain time. You may wish to bring your completed action plan to a confidential careers appointment to discuss your ideas in greater depth. We’re here to help and support you.

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