Whatever the reason for your concern try not to panic, but do face up to the issue as it's unlikely to resolve itself. Take a step back and consider what is really making you think about changing or leaving your course.

Some common reasons include:

• feeling unhappy with your choice of course, eg it's too easy/difficult or disliking the subject
• feeling unhappy with your choice of university, eg it's not what you expected, it's too large/small
• finance, eg struggling with fees, course materials or living costs
• personal, eg feeling homesick, struggling to balance other priorities and commitments
• changing your future career plans, is your subject/course still relevant?
• health reasons, is illness or a disability making it difficult to cope?

Ask yourself:

• What were my expectations of coming to university?
• Why and how haven’t my expectations been met?
• What would I like to be different about my current situation?
• What are my options?

Talking to a careers consultant

You may find talking to a careers consultant a useful and impartial next step in helping you to understand your options and decide the best way forward. We can also highlight resources to help you research your options, such as course directories and employment opportunities.

It may also be helpful to speak to some of the following people to inform your decision:

• your personal tutor
• admissions staff for alternative courses you might be considering
• a Student Wellbeing or Student Advice Centre adviser
• friends, family or others who know you well
• students on alternative courses you might be considering

Take a look at the Careers Service's Changing or Leaving Your Course FAQs 2021 (PDF: 456KB) as a helpful starting point.

Seeking support

As well as the Careers Service, there are a number of other services across the University who can support you in a variety of ways.

Student Wellbeing

The Student Wellbeing team can provide:

• counselling services
• disability and dyslexia support
• information and advice on healthcare matters, faith and all aspects of funding and finance

Newcastle University Chaplaincy

Newcastle University Chaplaincy offers confidential listening and support to students of all faiths and none.

University Library

There are a number of study skills resources available from the University's libraries.

Maths Aid

Resources, advice and one-to-one support on numerical and mathematical skills are available from Maths Aid.

Academic Skills Team

The Academic Skills Team provides resources, advice and one-to-one support on a range of academic and study skills.

In-Sessional English

English language support for international students is available from In-Sessional English.

Student Advice Centre

The Student Advice Centre offers free, impartial advice and representation on a range of issues including finance and academic matters.

Further information

Our Degree Apprenticeships page contains information about how you can gain a level 6 or 7 qualification while in paid employment. 

The following external websites provide further information about changing or leaving your course:

• Changing or leaving your course (TARGETjobs)
• Leaving your course (Prospects, Jun 2019)