Should I stay if I dislike the university but still like my department?
Staying can be a reasonable choice if your department’s studies match your interests and future goals, and your dissatisfaction with the university is not seriously harming your studies or health. However, decide only after considering the wider environment, relationships, support, costs, and burden of completing the degree, and checking whether improvement or options such as transfer or leave are available.
Key points
- Consider whether staying will help you gain the knowledge and preparation needed for your intended path.
- Identify whether your dissatisfaction is temporary or involves problems with the environment or relationships that may be harder to change.
- Discuss your situation with an advisor or support office, and compare the benefits and burdens of staying with other options.
Things to check
- Rules and eligibility for transfer, changing faculties, or taking leave vary by university and faculty, so check official information.