Choosing where to spend the next few years of your life, possibly away from home for the first time, is a daunting prospect. UCAS forms can be confusing, and the immense choice of institutions makes the decision even harder.

I made the wrong decision. Starting a sports degree at Wolverhampton University did not work out and I found myself in the situation of taking an unexpected year out. I was worried that I would be labelled a ‘drop-out’ by other institutions and might never end up getting a degree.

Having originally opted to study away from home, I am now back living with my family and commuting to London daily. I had loved the social life at Wolverhampton but was advised by family and tutors to leave, because at the end of the day it is the degree that is important, not the evenings in the bar.

It was reassuring to speak to others who had also found themselves on the wrong course or unhappy at their institution, and had decided to drop out. The year-out actually proved useful and afterwards I felt more refreshed and ready to go back to studying. My main hurdle was deciding what to study and where to go, as I knew this was my final chance to make the right decision. I am now studying journalism in London. The degree course in fact required more UCAS points than my original course. So, having pulled out of my degree, I am now back in the system on a more respected course.

To reapply I had to contact UCAS for an application form and return to my sixth-form college to gain references. The application process is no different for returning students. ‘We do not want to make it difficult for students to reapply and so the formula is kept the same whether applying for the first or second time,’ a UCAS adviser explains.

Other students who mistakes similar to mine are also now back at university. They are all glad they were not afraid to admit their mistake and take action to rectify it. Student Charlotte Hayward said: ‘Since restarting university I am much happier. I think most people expect too much from university and believe that enjoying university is compulsory. Despite many highs, students must be prepared for lows so as they are not disheartened if things go wrong. What helps is knowing there are always others around to talk to. Some may even have had the same problems as you.’

I would advise anyone arriving at university to give it a chance, but, if it turns out not to be the fulfilling experience you expected, you do not have to stay and be miserable. Don’t be too proud to admit you were wrong or be afraid to change your chosen path. Lots of people, including your old teachers and university staff will be only to willing to offer you advice. Once you have all the information you need about a new course, and feel ready to return to studying, just contact UCAS.

Management student Neil Ashworth said: ‘It was two years before I started university after A-levels. At first I deferred and then went to Brighton University but realised the course was not what I really wanted. I ended up taking another year out, during which time I saved enough money to buy a car. Eventually I ended up on a management degree in the Midlands. I am now nearly at the end of my three years and I’m very glad I gave university a second chance, though I enjoyed earning money in my year out.’

As for me, I am now in my second year of my course and despite ups and downs which everyone experiences, I am pleased I didn’t give up and have no regrets about leaving my original course or returning to higher education.

Georgina Maynard is a second-year journalism student at City University, London

Useful websites