Not sure about your university choice? Here are your options

Every year, many students realise their original choice isn’t right for them. Have a look at some of the common reasons and learn what you can do about it.

• Course doubts: the subject no longer excites you, or your career ambitions have shifted.
• Changed circumstances: maybe you now want or need to stay closer to home or adjust your study plans.
• Financial considerations: another university might offer better financial support or lower costs.
• Different location: the city you chose no longer feels right, or you prefer somewhere different.

You don’t have to settle for a course you’re unsure about. Universities often have ways for you to change courses.

If switching within your current university choice isn’t possible, University Clearing provides opportunities to find courses more aligned with your interests and ambitions.

More than 30% of our students commute to university - you'd be in good company! Choosing to study from home doesn't mean missing out on the university experience. Commuting can help you maintain those important family connections and manage financial responsibilities while pursuing your education. With the right support and planning, you can thrive academically and socially as a commuter student.

Find out more about how we support commuter students at Brighton.

Financial concerns are common, but support is available. At Brighton, we offer the Brighton Boost - a financial support package designed to make life easier by contributing to things like accommodation, travel, and laptop loans.

Sometimes, the place you thought you'd love doesn’t feel like the right fit. Whether it’s the pace of the city, the distance from home, or just the vibe, it’s normal to realise that where you study is just as important as what you study.

At the University of Brighton, we believe location is a huge part of your university experience. Our campuses are based in a vibrant coastal city with a strong sense of community, great access to nature, and a creative, inclusive culture that’s hard to find anywhere else. Brighton’s combination of beach life, city energy, and a short train ride to London offers you the best of all worlds.

In fact, Brighton was recently named the 3rd best city in the UK by Time Out, and the 2nd most walkable in the world!

Find out more about the city that we call home.

You can switch your universities choice before results day, or you can do it during Clearing. 

Here are the pros and cons of each approach:

• When is it too late to change my university choice?

  It’s never too late provided it's before results day—you can decline your firm offer anytime up to that point. Clearing then allows you to explore other universities and courses, even after you receive your results.

• Can I apply to Clearing before results day?

  No you can't; early Clearing is only for students who already have their exam results. But you can research universities and courses beforehand, ready to make an informed decision how to apply through Clearing on results day.

• How do I compare university choices effectively?

  Look closely at course content, location, student support, finances, and overall reputation. University rankings, student reviews, and career prospects can also help you make a clear, confident decision.

• What if I don’t like my university once I arrive?

  Some students transfer after starting university, but it’s often smoother to research alternatives now. Having a clear backup plan through Clearing can give you peace of mind.