Making study choices

There are many reasons for changing study direction and every student will have his/her own reasons.You might be considering changing for the following reasons:

  • The programme of study is different from your expectations
  • The pace of learning is too fast
  • The academic level is too high or too low for you
  • You are missing your home and friends
  • You don’t feel at ease at TU Delft, in the city Delft or at your accommodation
  • You have become interested in one particular part of a programme of study and want to specialise in that area
  • You are having difficulty coping financially
  • You have personal, health or family problems which make it difficult or impossible to continue studying

Any of these reasons can feel overwhelming and each can be a good reason for considering to making a change. There are actions you can take to assist your transition to find either an alternative study or another option that suits your personal needs.

Roadmap

1. Figure out what you are looking for

What do you enjoy doing, what are your competences? Take a look in the mirror. What do you see: what are your interests? What makes you happy? What is the source for your energy? What makes you move? What are you really good at? Talk to people who know you well, such as your parents or a close friend. Make a list of you interests, your competences, and your skills. The worksheets Determine your energy sources and Determine your values might be helpful here.

Assignment Energy Sources (PDF) Assignment Values (PDF)

2. Your ideal study

What criteria do you have when choosing a course? What expectations? Make a list of criteria. For example: contents, teaching methods, level, career possibilities, atmosphere and location.








3. Exploring the possibilities

Which courses match your interests and abilities? Gather all the information you can find. Look on the internet, read brochures, go to open days and speak with academic counsellors. Make sure you get an answer to all the questions you prepared beforehand.




4. Compare programmes

Have you found a number of interesting options, then it is time to look at them in more detail. Compare your set of criteria to what they offer. At some universities it is possible to shadow students during a typical day. Talk to students already taking the course and/or graduates. Use the matrix to keep everything you learn structured!

5. Decide

You know what you want and you think you found a programme that fulfils your criteria? Then it's time for a decision. Don’t forget to listen to your gut-feeling: choose what really excites you/what you are really interested in. Are you in doubt? Don’t panic. A gap year, working or travelling often provides new insights. Whatever you do, make sure it is your choice.