ubereglu Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 Well, I'm nearly at the end of my first semester at University, and more or less the only thing keeping me going right now is the fact that I'm going to be home in under 2 weeks. This place is just not offering me the opportunities I hoped it would and so I'm desperately considering my options. At most I only want to stay here for my first year, as I am not enjoying the place remotely. I seriously wish I hadn't come here, had taken a year out and reapplied, but because of fees rising I didn't really feel I had a choice. Hence I'm thinking, and seriously hoping, about transferring to a different university for entry into my second year. I wanted to know if any of you have had any experience of this and could possibly provide me with some advice. I know I've got to ask what all the policies are at the different institutions I'm thinking of attending and I know I have to apply through UCAS again, with a personal statement and references again, plus get my current uni to pass on a full transcript of my course and results and things. However, right now I'm finding it really difficult as it's tricky knowing where would be feasible for me to go to and knowing where to even start, as there is barely any useful information around about the process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizinsa Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 Sorry to hear things aren't going as planned. You probably have already heard this lots of times but things may improve after Christmas and 2nd year at uni often does offer more BUT only you can decide if you are at the right place. I changed courses but stayed at the same university and that was the best decision I ever made, could this be an option? I know you are struggling to find information but is there anywhere in particular you want to go? I would look at website prospectuses and draw up a shortlist and then make phonecalls to the admissions teams or the departments you are interested in. Universities may be wary that you want to change but I'd offer to come for a visit and meet them in person and it may help sway their decision. It would also give you the opportunity to see what the place is really like and if it's for you. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted November 29, 2011 Author Share Posted November 29, 2011 Transferring courses isn't going to help unfortunately, as I'm actually liking the course, but I really cannot stand the place... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizinsa Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I hope you don't mind me asking but where are you and what is it that you don't like? If it is the location/style of university then you definitely need to make sure you visit them in term time to see what the alternatives are really like. I'd also see if anyone you know, even Omleteers, have been to the unis you're thinking of and see what their experiences were like. I know that my uni probably wouldn't have suited everyone but was great for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisP Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 One of my friends here transferred from Bangor to Aber. I'll have a talk with him and see how/why he did that if you want? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted November 29, 2011 Author Share Posted November 29, 2011 One of my friends here transferred from Bangor to Aber. I'll have a talk with him and see how/why he did that if you want? That wouldbe really helpful, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel19 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 There should be advisors and councellors on campus to advise you on how to do these things - the students union are normally pretty helpful too. I transferred courses at uni but had to go back to college to then get back in and all of the advisors were great at helping to fill in all of the appropriate forms etc. I left in the middle of the first year and worked before my next course began to try and re-coup some funds. I know in the majority of courses the first year doesn't count towards your final degree so i can't imagine it will be too difficult to just transfer to a different uni. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poachedegg Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Can't help I'm afraid, but http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk is great for info - hope you find out what you need to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 My brother transferred a couple of years ago from ICU to Warwick. He got in touch with the admissions tutors, had a chat about what he wanted to do, they told him what they wanted to see from him and he took it from there. So if you know where you want to go, I think that's the best option. He's much happier there (except the poxy student loans company mucked up his application this year and he's still not got his loan through!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Sorry to hear that Liz Is it that you don't like the Uni or town - know where you are but can't remember which Uni... I'd speak to your tutor and let him/her know what you're thinking. They should be able to help, or speak to the Union and they'll tell you how to go about it. You may be able to change Uni's - I know there was a deadline for us to change last year. Maybe see if you can transfer into 2nd year on the same course but at another Uni next September? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 Maybe see if you can transfer into 2nd year on the same course but at another Uni next September? That's what I'm counting on really. Thank you for all your advice so far though. Lewis, I shall PM or facebook you in a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Hi I assume that you have a personal tutor (as well as an academic tutor). I would have a word with them. If they will give you a good reference, that will go a long way to another Uni accepting you (depends on Uni and course - but some won't accept transfers except in exceptional circumstances - so a good refence outlining your genuine reasons for wanting to transfer will help) Good Luck. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Oh no Liz - hope you can get a decent outcome through all this. You've got to feel settled & like where you are, or else eventually it will affect your studies. Although a grown up adult, I wish I'd gone to Uni in Aber! There was no mention of Aber Uni in my days. It seems the students have a great time here. I love the place. I'm sure Lewis does too?! Good luck Liz. I think you are very sensible to realise this early on, that you don't like where you are. It takes some guts to admit that! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I planned to transfer universities as I hated the s"Ooops, word censored!"by atmosphere of the one I went to but ended up dropping out 'while I considered my options' and got a job, got used to earning money and that was that It was a bad move, although I dont regret it completely I can see that I threw away a good opportunity - I was there to learn at the end of the day nothing else really should have mattered Do some research now so that when you go home for Christmas you have the facts to put to your parents, unless you are an exceptional pupil you may find your options are rather limited You may make the decision but when it comes to the end of the academic year you find you'll have settled in and dont want to change, if its the social side of things that are a problem then moving to another uni means you'll have to fit in with a total new and bonded group of people which could be very hard especially as in year two people tend to move to shared houses Its not like moving schools its a heck of a big deal so maybe sit down and ask yourself if you could really get stuck in after Christmas and make it work Good luck x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 I'm wondering too if it's the accommodation and/or people that are making you unhappy? If so, it must be possible to make changes - can you speak to accommodation services? I know a school friend of ES's was very unhappy with his halls in first year - all the boys were disgustingly slovenly and he just couldn't stand it. He is now with a much better (and cleaner!) group of lads and is very happy now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
