What To Do When You’re Having Second Thoughts About University

Having second thoughts about University? Most people go to university as their natural next step. From high school they continue their education so that they can get a good job. This makes sense, however, what happens when University does not meet your expectations? When you begin to question the path you chose to take? It can be scary to realize maybe you made the wrong choice, to start questioning whether or not going to University was the right decision. It’s important to make an informed decision when you begin to have second thoughts about University. In this article I will try to help you realize that there are other options and reasons for University not quite fitting.

Figure out what your not exactly enjoying

There are many reasons why people have second thoughts about University. It could be; their program, school, area, people etc. It really comes down to what is affecting you and why whatever you are being affected by is harming your university experience. Maybe you realized the program you entered isn’t really something you enjoy or are good at. That does happen sometimes but then this gives you the ability to pursue a program and degree in something you enjoy. Maybe you realized the school your going to isn’t one you like being at. That could be due to distance from family and friends, feeling lonely and separated etc. The point is that you need to figure out the reason you are questioning going to University. As once you find the core issue then you can try to solve the problem. That could be transferring to a school closer to your loved ones, or switching programs. There are always options for you to have a better experience with what you are pursuing. It will be hard to make that decision but it’s a necessary one so that your University experience can be one that you enjoy.

Look at other options such as college, diplomas etc.

Perhaps you are having second thoughts about going to University not due to your program but rather due to just not liking University itself. Maybe you realized Uni is too theory based for you and you rather go to college which is more hands on. Maybe you realized you wanted to go to something that is more fast paced. There are so many more options then just University but we naturally go to Uni as that is what we are told to do. I, for one, went to Uni this past fall and decided to drop out realizing that a hands on learning environment made more sense to me. Therefore leading me to apply to college for this coming fall. University is only one option; college, apprenticeship, diploma programs etc. are also pathways you could take. Try to figure out what best suits your needs and will help lead you down the right path for what you want.

Second Thoughts due to Cost

University might be something you’re questioning due to the cost. It could be that you don’t think Uni is worth so much money. That you shouldn’t waste all the money you have worked so hard for on textbooks and tuition. Which is a valid reason for questioning whether university is actually right for you. Maybe it’s due to the fact that you realize you don’t have enough money to pay for school. Which leads you to have these second thoughts as you might need to take a break from school to save up. Whatever reason it may be, University is expensive and that leads many people to feel like they are wasting their money especially if they have debt afterwards that they still have to pay. There is no shame in figuring out that this cost is too much and you need to take some time off. Their is no shame in acknowledging that University is an expensive investment.

Second Thoughts Due to Mental Health

School in general can have a negative effect on your mental well being. With all the stress, pressure and deadlines no wonder a growing number of Post secondary students suffer from mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are the most common disorders that many University students have to deal with. This can make finishing essays, assignments etc. very challenging as you start to think that there is no point in doing anything. Maybe your mental health is simply getting progressively worse. This is why many University students are leaving their post secondary education due to mental health conditions, that they need to get proper care for in a stress free environment. Maybe this is why you are having second thoughts and that’s perfectly alright to do so. It is important to pay attention to your own well being as how are you going to function properly and do well in school if this mental illness is affecting you in such an all consuming way. Taking care of yourself should be your first priority.

All in all, it’s okay to realize that maybe University just isn’t for you and to realize that their are other options to help your University experience or other education options that will fit you better. This is a scary thing to realize and an even scarier decision to make but it’s important that you go and do something that you enjoy otherwise what’s the point?

 

Have YOU had second thoughts about university?

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