If you've started your course and feel unhappy, the University is here to support you.
If you haven't yet registered as a student at Bath and want to change your course before starting, contact Admissions.
What to do if you're unhappy about your course or university life
Don’t panic if you're feeling unhappy on your course. Many students feel this way for lots of different reasons.
You might feel unhappy because the course isn’t what you expected, or your coursework isn’t going well. You may feel your course is fine, but you’d rather be somewhere else. You might feel homesick or lonely, and finding it hard to settle in. You might have health issues that make adjusting to university difficult.
Whatever the reason, ask for help from someone at the University as soon as you feel this way.
Arrange a meeting with your Academic Advisor or Director of Studies
Talk to your Academic Advisor first if your unhappiness is about your course. They can explain what the rest of your course involves and the options within it. For example, you might be able to choose different units to make your course more interesting. You can arrange a meeting even if you've never met your Academic Advisor before.
Find out more about the role of your Academic Advisor.
Talk to your Director of Studies if you're sure your course isn't right for you, or if you want to suspend or transfer your studies. Every degree programme has a Director of Studies, who coordinates teaching and assessment and supports individual students.
To join a different course at Bath, contact the Director of Studies for that course. Ask if there are any spaces and whether you can join at this point in the year. You’ll need to meet the course’s entry and eligibility criteria, which you can usually find online. Read information about Bath courses.
Find the Director of Studies for a course at Bath.
Consider what you can do with your degree
You might be worried about staying on your course because you don't want a career related to it. Many graduate jobs don’t need a degree in a specific subject, so you may have more options than you think. If you’re an undergraduate, you can see what students from your course have gone on to do. You could also read Prospects’ guide on what can I do with my degree?.
Come and talk to Careers
Careers can help you when you’re considering changing or leaving your course. Our Careers Consultants are impartial and not connected to academic departments. Everything you tell us is confidential. We’ll support whatever you decide is right for you.
Careers can help you:
- Weigh up the pros and cons of staying, leaving, or changing course
- Understand how leaving or changing might affect your plans
- Research alternative courses and universities
- Apply for other courses, jobs, or opportunities
We cannot:
- Explain the process of leaving or changing your course
- Tell you if you’re eligible for another course at Bath or elsewhere, or whether you can change now
- Tell you what to do – but we can help you decide
For help with the process of changing or leaving your course, contact your current Director of Studies. If you want to join another course, also contact the Director of Studies for that course.
How to access support from Careers
Visit the Careers Centre on campus during our opening hours – you don't need an appointment. For remote support, email the Careers Centre or call us on 01225 386009.
Advice and Support Service
The Advice and Support Service can advise you on many issues affecting your student life. Download their free guide to changing course, withdrawing or suspending your studies.
Student Support
Contact Student Support for advice on the financial implications of your options.
See the Student Support page on Suspending your studies or leaving the University.
International students
If you're an international student, be mindful of your visa time limit. Seek advice from the Student Immigration Service before changing, suspending or leaving your course.
Further help
Not Going to Uni offers apprenticeships and other opportunities that don't need a degree, plus blog posts and case studies.