DD 19 about to finish first year at uni - hates her course, but loves uni life.

[cakesanyone]

DD wanted to do Occupational Therapy but didn't get the grades so ended up in clearing grabbing any course that would have her - Media and Marketing - and she hates it.

But she's got a great group of friends (all on different courses) and a student house arranged for year 2. She desperately wants to stay at her present uni, even if it means starting at year 1 with another course; says she can't face doing another year of a course she has no interest in.

DD talked to her tutor who has told her to stick with it as changing courses isn't really possible . Anyone else's DCs been in this position?

How about trying to get some work to build up some experience so that she could apply for OT again? maybe a job as a OT assistant or a support worker in a hospital or community team? The OT course isn't all about grades at A level. Try contacting the colleges and asking what would help give her more chance of getting in. Maybe re-sit if that's what it takes.
A bit of life experience goes a long way.

Does her uni have a Student Services/Student Support unit? It might be attached to the student union rather than the uni itself, or housed with accomodation/financial/mental health provision (it is at mine). At my uni they are very proactive in helping students who might otherwise drop out because they hate their course, and will often work with them and tutors to help them switch to a course that suits better.

Alternatively, does she know what she'd like to switch to? I have a friend who hated his course and stuck with it far longer than he should have. After he failed his second year for the second time, he went and talked to the head of department for the course he'd like to do, made a good impression on him, and suddenly the paperwork all sailed through the system.

Sorry your daughter isn't enjoying her course.

My niece switched from graphics to media without any problem at her uni. Has her tutor told her why it wouldn't be possible to change? Could be that the tutor is trying to make sure that her course is full!

No point in sticking at something she doesn't enjoy for another 2 years.

BUT.... the fact that she wants to stay at this particular Uni may need a re-think. It's not the Uni that's important per se - it's about finding the right course wherever that may be.

thoe two courses are poles apart !

is there a course sort of remotely like OT that she could transfer to?

I changed my course at uni and it was fine.in fact I knew several people who changed courses after year 1. Contact the student support services or take a look at the uni website. It should say the policy on these things. Also get her to speak to someone from the department of the course she wants to change to instead of her current tutor as they will be more help.

She can

1. stick with the course - but won't get any funding for a second degree

2. change courses at same uni

3. change uni - if she is in a town with more than one then she can still live with her friends

4. leave altogether - nut not easy to find a job

Personally I don't see any point in running up debt and studying something you are not really interested in.