By the end of the summer term, when all of the essays and exams are finally handed in, most students are ready for the long holiday, to recharge and put the subject behind them for a while. What if it isn’t just a break, though? What if you’ve realised this subject just isn’t for you? If you’re starting over next year in a new subject, here are a few things you should expect:
1. You’re not alone.
Plenty of students have done exactly what you did, and switched subjects after their first, second, or even third year of a course. Whether you switched from Music to Computer Science, or from Maths to English, there will be lots of other students in the same position. Don’t feel isolated, and don’t be shy about telling other students on your course.. Chances are they won’t bat an eyelid, and you might even find someone else in the same boat.
2. A change of pace.
If you’re starting over in a new department, your contact hours will probably change, so look up what to expect. This is particularly true if you’re switching from an arts to a science subject, or vice versa. Arts subjects tend to come with fewer contact hours and a greater expectation that you’ll spend your time on independent study and reading lists. On the other hand, science subjects are generally more geared towards 9-5 lectures, classes and labs, for directed teaching. Find out what to expect, and prep yourself for the change.
3. A fresh start.
If you’ve been struggling in the wrong subject all year, it can affect your whole university experience. You might have been living just for your social life up until this point, or not gained the most from your social life, as you’ve been putting in the extra time to make sense of your course textbook. Well, if you change subjects, you can turn things around. Now that you’re starting a course that’s more suited to you, things are on the up. Give your university another chance, and don’t approach it with the idea that it will be the same as last year. Be open-minded, and let your new course be everything you hoped it would be.
4. New friends (and old ones).
Now that you’re starting a new subject, chances are you’ll make friends amongst your new course-mates, since they share your love of your new subject. At the same time, just because you aren’t on your first course anymore, that doesn’t mean you need to stop seeing the friends you used to study with. If you’re close to people, make time to see each other, even if you’re not in the same 9am lecture anymore. You’ll find that you still have a lot in common, even if it’s not the same supervisor.
5. A new supervisor.
Speaking of which, you’ll probably get a new supervisor as you transfer departments. If you can, talk to them about your situation, and tell them about why you were unhappy in your last department. They’re there to support you as best they can, and if you felt overwhelmed or isolated last year, they’re there to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
It’s important at university that you find a subject you really care about, and at Enterprise, we provide opportunities for engaged and passionate graduates from all subject areas. Check out our Graduate Management Traineeships and internships today for more information.
