I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO STUDY

If you're unsure about what to study at university, that's completely OK! Many students feel the same way, and the good news is that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. There are plenty of ways to explore your options and make a choice that feels right for you. Many students change their major after starting university, and plenty of people end up in careers unrelated to their degree. What matters more than choosing the "perfect" major is developing skills and experiences that can be applied to different paths.

Start with self-reflections

Think about these questions - what would be your answer?

What subjects do I enjoy? Think beyond the ones you’re good at to the ones that actually spark your curiosity!
What activities make you lose track of time? Are you more analytical, creative, or detail-oriented?
What kind of future do you imagine for yourself? Can see yourself in a structured corporate job, or something more flexible and creative, or maybe working in research or technology?

Explore different fields

Be intentional and explore various fields you might be interested in. Getting hands-on experience is one of the best ways to figure out what you enjoy. Internships, volunteering, or shadowing professionals in different fields can give you real-world insight into what certain jobs are actually like. UWCSEA's Alumni Connect is a great place to start - you can connect with a range of professionals who are happy to share their experiences with students.

UWCSEA Alumni Connect

Explore academic courses online

Various universities offer online courses that can give you a taste of what you might study in university. Taking a course or two could give you an insight of whether a particular course is the right one for you.

Here are some resources we've found online to get you started:

Coursera | edX

University of London taster course | University of York MOOCs

Still not sure? Here are other avenues to explore...

Work on small personal project

If you're interested in technology, maybe try your hand at a coding project. If you're a writer, starting a blog could be a good project to explore. Or, you can get involved in a community project if you’re drawn to social impact work. Sometimes, actually doing something is the best way to know if it’s right for you.

Choose a broad academic program

Interdisciplinary courses like liberal arts, business, engineering, or data science give you the flexibility to explore different specializations before narrowing down your path. Some universities allow you to take a mix of courses before committing to a major, which can be a great way to test the waters.

Ask people about their journey

Talking to people can also make a huge difference. Whether it’s your university advisor, current students, alumni, or even mentors in fields you’re curious about, they can share insights that might help you see things more clearly. Speaking with a variety of people could also spark ideas and interests that you might not have even thought of!

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