Changing the Course of Study – Am I Studying the Right Thing?

  Academic advisor advises a student Copyright: © RWTH Aachen

A change in your course of study should occur as early on as possible. However if should not be executed without reflection of current feelings of frustration or panic. You should absolutely talk with the Student Advice Centre before changing your course of study.

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Difficulties in studies do not always result directly from the chosen course of study. First year students should particularly ask themselves if the difficulties that have arisen are primarily due to their start and adaption issues with the university learning environment. These are adjustment difficulties, that are conditional on the switch from school to university, such as problems with time and self management, missing learning strategies when dealing with high amounts of material and content, and academic demands, personal difficulties with the new life situation, and more.

Ask the professionals: Departmental Advising and the Student Advice Centre

If you are doubting your aptitude for the chosen course of study and additionally have the feeling that you do not measure up to the performance demands in the chosen subject, you should not carry these uncertain feelings around with you. Talk with the departmental advisors from the respective course of study or contact the Student Advice Centre.

A Question of Motivation?

The question of your motivation for a subject is a central aspect to consider when you are doubting your choice: Why did you pick the subject? How interested are you in the subject content and topics? How strong is your desire to achieve your original career goals? Enthusiasm for and interest in the subject as well as identifying your professional goals are the most important motivational factors for accepting the workload that comes with the studies and overcoming difficulties.