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Can I change my mind?
Reflecting on your choices and think you would like to change your mind? Follow our tips on how to navigate the right path for you.
There are lots of reasons why you might want to change your mind about your course, university, or next steps altogether. Maybe you've discovered a different career path, want to be closer to home, or feel that taking a break from studying is the right move. Whatever your reason, it's absolutely fine to change your mind.
The important thing is to make sure any decision you make is the right one for you. Take a moment to reflect, talk through your options, and get all the information you need to feel confident in whatever you decide.
Here, we’ll guide you through what you can do if you’re thinking of changing your mind.
Things to consider before changing your mind
If you’re thinking about changing your mind, take a moment to reflect on why. What originally drew you to your current choices – was it the course content, location, or feeling you got from an open day? Now consider what’s changed. Is it your finances, accommodation, interests, or something else?
Once you’ve narrowed down the why, it’s a good idea to reach out to your university or college. They may be able to offer support or alternative options you haven’t considered. These questions can help guide that conversation and your next steps.
Questions to ask before you change your mind
1. Can I switch to a different course at the same university or college?
If the university or college still feels like the right fit, you may be able to transfer to another course they offer.
2. What support and facilities are available?
This could include academic support, wellbeing services, and financial advice, as well as access to accommodation, gyms, or childcare.
3. What other opportunities could I get involved in?
Placements, studying abroad, volunteering, societies – there might be more on offer than you realise.
4. Do you offer any financial support?
Many universities have expanded their support in response to the rising cost of living. Share your situation and see if there’s anything they can do to help.
5. How many hours will I have to be in?
You might want to get clarification on what your typical week looks like so you can plan around travel or other commitments.
6. Can I defer my place?
If the timing isn’t quite right, ask if deferring to January or the next academic year is possible.
7. What happens if I don’t meet the conditions of my offer?
If you’re worried about your grades, ask what your options are. The university or college might still consider you or offer you a place on an alternative course.
Once you change your mind, it might not be possible to reinstate your original choice, so gather all the information you need from both your current and potential new choice first.
Results day and Clearing: How to use Clearing if you’ve changed your mind
How to use Clearing if you’ve changed your mind
If your plans change, you can use Clearing to find a new opportunity. Find out how these students decided to go down a different route thanks to Clearing.
How to switch courses
Want to stick with your uni or college but not sure the course you've chosen is right for you? First you need to chat to your firm or insurance uni or college to see if spaces are available for you on the course - this will differ from provider to provider, but will also depend on whether the course you're looking to change to is similar or a completely different area, as you'll have to consider things like entry requirements.
Once you know you'll be able to switch, you'll need to use the 'Decline my place' button in your application, which will release you from your current firm offer so you can add your new choice.
This is instant though, so make sure you've checked everything is OK with your new course as UCAS can't undo this choice once you click that 'Decline my place' button!
How to change to another university or college
Similar to changing your course, to change your uni or college you'll need to contact them to see if spaces are available through Clearing, and again use the 'Decline my place' button in your application.
You can then add your new choice to get an offer at your preferred provider.
Don't forget about things like accommodation too, if you're moving away from home - many universities will keep some rooms available for clearing offers, but don't leave it too late! Your new course or university change could take a bit of time to display in your Hub so don't panic if it doesn't show straight away.
What other options are there?
Apprenticeships
Not sure if the traditional university undergraduate degree experience is for you anymore?
Apprenticeships are a great way to earn a wage whilst learning, and there are so many opportunities available in different industries and at different levels.
This is a great way if you're a bit more of a practical, hands-on person, and keen to get some work experience and hit the ground running. You can also apply for apprenticeships throughout the year, so there's no deadline like uni applications.
Higher Technical Qualifications
If you would like to upgrade your qualifications but don’t want to commit to a 3-year undergraduate degree, then a job focused HTQ might be for you.
HTQs have been designed together with employers to provide the skills they tell us they need and can be completed in 1 or 2 years. They are also available on a part-time basis and HE student finance is available in the same way as for a degree. You can study them at a University or at a FE College.
Gap year
You could also have the option to defer for a year and go travelling, get some work experience or an internship, do some volunteering or even do some studying to see if your chosen pathway is the right one for you.
Speak to your university or college first as not all courses are possible to defer.
Work
You might also decide that actually, you just want to go straight into the world of work - perhaps you have a career in mind that you can go straight into, or you're not keen on continuing your studies.
Changed your mind about what subject to study?
Subject Spotlights give you the chance to try a university course before you apply. Delivered by the lecturers themselves you will gain insight into what it’s like to study the course and give your personal statement a boost.