Dropping out of university: should I stay or should I go?

Try and identify why you’re thinking about leaving.

If you don’t like the course, it might be possible to change courses so talk to your tutor. If you are having accommodation, financial or personal worries talk to friends and family, or your student support service.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are so at least try talking it through and getting help before making a decision.

Mandi Barron, Head of Student Services at Bournemouth University advises, “It may seem like a really difficult time, but it’s not unusual to face problems at the start of university and there is help available. The thing to remember is that you’re not alone, there are people to support you, and the best way to make your decision is to talk about your concerns.”

It can take a while to adjust to a new situation and, if you have moved away from home, the contrast in lifestyle can be a bit of a shock. Making new friends takes time. The National Union of Students believes that between half and three-quarters of all university students experience homesickness.

Join a club or society, or try volunteering. Some students find it helps to do something outside the university bubble, so don’t forget to explore community-based opportunities too. It’s worth speaking to student support services for ideas about how to adjust.

If you have spent a long time working towards university and thought a lot about what it will be like, the experience may not be living up to your expectations. It may help to go back to your original reasons for choosing your university and course. Reminding yourself why you’re there may help you rediscover the motivation to stay on, or clarify your next steps.

Many students work to meet the costs of university, but working and studying at the same time can put you under a lot of pressure. Money worries can be hard to cope with. Many students say they don’t feel competent in managing their money, and dropping out of studies can be seen as a financial solution. There are bursaries available, and advice about managing money – your student support services should be able to point you in the right direction.

It’s not the end of the world if you decide you want to leave. Dropout rates vary, depending on different courses and universities but every year thousands of students choose not to continue their courses.

If you need to take some time out to think about your future, a gap year can enhance your CV, especially if your experiences help you learn new skills. Or you may decide you want to start work straight away.

Dropping out of your course doesn’t have to mean an end to higher education. You can always apply for a different course or university later if you change your mind or consider more flexible options such as a part-time degree or an Open University distance-learning course.

See our list of useful contacts to speak to someone or get advice.