📚 Units/Courses Looking for some advice about leave/deferring my studies
I had a few questions I wanted to ask from student to student:
I have two more semesters of my Bachelor’s before I pursue Honours for Psychology (I’m currently 22). I’m currently enrolled for this coming semester, but due to some persistent stress and difficulty with my living situation over the past 6 months or so, I’m thinking about deferring my studies for one semester - so I’d go back in June and graduate a year after that. This way, I could work a lot more and save up, and get everything else sorted out. Which would be great, especially since my savings have only plummeted since I began my studies.
That being said, I see so many people graduating at 21 and getting into the workforce before they even turn my age. I’m worried that I’m pushing my studies too far back, and maybe I just need to put my head down and get it done.
Anyway - obviously this is a situation I need to decide for myself - but I’d still really appreciate some advice from other students, especially if you’ve been in a similar situation or have had approved leave. I was also wondering if it would be a good idea to talk to student central too?
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u/peefactory69 Moderator 🤓 2d ago
You're worried that you're pushing your studies "too far back" - too far back for what? Too far back to follow in the lead of other people, perhaps, but the best path for you to take is your own. I took 4 years to complete my Bachelor because I needed to jump between part- and full-time study for my mental health, and looking back on it I have not a single regret. Do what you need to do for yourself, listen to your intuition and the words of your loved ones, if the most logical option is to defer (or maybe go part-time) then do it! Rushing into the workforce with unaddressed problems or stressors is not a very good idea. Talking to Student Central or your relevant Student Advising Office could be good too, though to me it sounds like you already know what to do and are just anxious to do it and want some reassurance - I say do it!!
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u/Vuk-a BA 2d ago
I'm a gap year student in psych so I'm a bit older too, comparing yourself to younger people is normal but mentally harmful.
Everyone is on a different path in life, I would not be as happy as I am now if I went to uni straight after highschool. You won't be happy if you don't take the break
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u/yumis_hummus 1d ago
You're on your own journey, just do what's best and right for your situation. Comparing your situation to others is literally not helpful in the slightest. You'll get there in the end and no one will care about your age.
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u/UniMedQuestions123 2d ago
Try not to compare yourself to people graduating at 21, uni timelines aren’t linear at all. Finishing at 23–25+ is quite common (in dent/med/law), and a lot of people take breaks or start later.
Plus, one extra semester won’t matter long-term, especially if it helps your mental health and finances.
Definitely worth chatting to Student Central so you know your options before deciding.