Thinking of leaving?

If you are reading this, it is likely that you are currently not quite happy with your present situation. There could be any number of reasons for this. Perhaps...
  • ... the subject is not what you thought it would be like, you find it boring or difficult, or you are just not interested in it any more.
  • ...the course content is not what you expected, you can’t get motivated, the assessment style doesn’t suit you, or the way you are taught isn’t to your liking.
  • ...the environment is not to your liking: university is too big/too small, or your accommodation isn’t what you wanted.
  • ...you're homesick, lonely, you are finding it hard to manage financially, you feel out of your depth, or you are too far from home.
  • ...the career you were originally planning no longer fits, you’re having second thoughts about your chosen career path, you find that you are enjoying one aspect of your course and would like to concentrate more on that.
  • ...there may be external reasons: family problems, illness, failing exams or advice from academic staff to look for an alternative course. At this stage of your thinking, you might like to start jotting down your reasons.

What are your options?

While these are not mutually exclusive, there are a range of options you can consider:

  • Decide to stay on and making the most of your present course
  • Choose an alternative course, at the University of Kent or elsewhere.
    • You will probably have to restart your degree the following year unless the course you are transferring to is very similar to the one you are leaving, or unless you change in the first few weeks of the course.
    • Changing to a combined or joint degree may be one option worth considering.
  • Leave and get a job. This does not have to mean abandoning study altogether
  • Take some time out (intermit) - usually up to a year - to consider your options, while leaving open the possibility of returning to Kent to resume your studies  

Considering each option and weighing up its advantages and disadvantages is likely to be your next task. What is your initial reaction now? It may be very clear, but on the other hand it could be quite a difficult choice. Researching the options may also take time. What is important is that you start the process of exploring the options and this may mean talking to people: a careers adviser, your tutor, student welfare or financial adviser, or a student counsellor. Family and friends can be useful and may be able to help you identify what is not right, so you know what to change.

How can the Careers and Employability Service help you?

If you are thinking of changing or leaving your course, and want to discuss any career implications of this, or just want to explore alternative possibilities, you are welcome to book an appointment with the Careers and Employability Service to talk things over with a Careers Adviser.

Anything that you discuss with us will be treated in the strictest confidence and no information will be passed on to any other department of the University unless you request us to do so.

Other sources of help and information at the University of Kent

Further reading

Finance

Other Sources of Advice and Support

Other job and vacancy sources

Taking time out

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