More than 260,000 students across Australia^[1] are going to university for the first time.

Some come to university to pursue a passion, others to discover one, and some aren’t quite sure why they’re here. Whatever their reason, it can take time to adjust and feel comfortable at uni, and some students decide studying is not for them^[2]. In their first year, around 14% of Australian students^[3] will choose to leave.

What do you do if you get to uni and it isn’t quite what you expect?

Expectations versus reality

The transition from high school to university can be a big adjustment^[4], especially for Year 12 students who are used to structured learning and clear guidance. Suddenly, you’re managing a new timetable, deadlines, and navigating new places and possibly new subjects on your own.

While university social clubs and campus activities can help you settle in, your first year at university can be a lonely time^[5]. You are away from familiar school friends and in classes full of people you don’t know.

Mature-aged students (anyone over 21) face their own challenges^[6] when life experience does not always translate to confidence in academic skills.

Juggling study, work and personal commitments isn’t easy. Fitting university in around other life pressures can feel overwhelming^[7].

University is often more independent than high school, which can be a big change for students. Neon Wang/Unsplash^[8]

Seek out support

Each university will have slightly different offerings around student support^[9].

If you are finding the academic work difficult, ask if there are academic writing supports or library research supports available.

If you are worried about your funds, ask about financial counselling.

Also seek out on-campus mental health or counselling supports if you you are feeling particularly stressed about your situation.

Read more: Uni is not just about lectures. When choosing a degree, ask what supports are available to you^[10]

Can you change your degree or subjects?

If you’re not enjoying yourself, try to work out exactly what it is you don’t like: is it university itself? Is it your course? Or just a particular subject?

If your current degree isn’t working, you could consider switching degrees or the mix of subjects you are studying. Switching to another degree or discipline may come with credit for prior study. Remember, no learning is ever wasted, and many skills are transferable. You can talk to your university admissions team to see what’s possible.

Or perhaps part-time study would be a better option for you. This is very common among uni students. Only 40%^[11] complete their degree within four years.

Universities often allow up to ten years for a bachelors’ degree, so you have time to rethink and adjust. Chat with an academic advisor or student services to understand your options.

If university isn’t working at all, remember there are many other options post-school. This includes vocational education and training courses (some of which are free^[12]) that provide practical skills, geared towards a job. It is OK to change your mind.

Vocational education and part-time work are alternative pathways to university. James Ross/AAP

Key dates to know

Timing is important. You need to be aware of the “census date^[13]” for your particular uni. This is the deadline when your fees are locked in.

Before then, you can drop courses without financial or academic penalties.

Think of the time before the census date as a “try-before-you-buy” period. While dates vary between universities, the first few weeks give you a chance to experience course content and decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Remember you are going through a big change – so go easy on yourself. And speak to academic, career, and wellbeing supports at your university if you think you need to make a change.

References

1. ^{^} 260,000 students across Australia (www.education.gov.au)
2. ^{^} not for them (theconversation.com)
3. ^{^} 14% of Australian students (futurecampus.com.au)
4. ^{^} can be a big adjustment (www.tandfonline.com)
5. ^{^} can be a lonely time (www.theguardian.com)
6. ^{^} face their own challenges (theconversation.com)
7. ^{^} can feel overwhelming (theconversation.com)
8. ^{^} Neon Wang/Unsplash (unsplash.com)
9. ^{^} offerings around student support (theconversation.com)
10. ^{^} Uni is not just about lectures. When choosing a degree, ask what supports are available to you (theconversation.com)
11. ^{^} Only 40% (www.education.gov.au)
12. ^{^} some of which are free (www.dewr.gov.au)
13. ^{^} census date (www.anu.edu.au)