Do you feel like that's not it? See how to change your university or field of study without stress

Your decision — whether and when is a change of studies a good idea?

Before we proceed to the submission of documents, let's stop for a moment. Understanding your own motivations will allow you to make a good decision. This is not an escape, but a conscious choice of a new path. Many people are afraid of evaluating the environment. But remember that this is your life and your career path. No one will pass it for you.

Why do students choose to change?

The reasons are as varied as the students themselves. Each of them is equally important. There are no bad motivations if they lead to a better match of education to you. Most often, the decision to change is due to several reasons.

• Disappointment with the study program. The direction in practice turns out to be completely different than in the recruitment description.
• Discovery of a new passion. In the process of learning, you find something that fascinates you much more.
• Problems with key items. Some topics, despite the effort, turn out to be an insurmountable barrier.
• The desire to grow into a better university. Your ambitions grow and you aspire to a place with a higher level of teaching.
• The usual feeling that “it's not that”. Sometimes the best advisor is just your intuition.

When is it worth starting to think about it?

It is worth taking your feelings seriously. This is not a temporary crisis if it has been going on for a long time. Pay attention to a few specific red flags. They may suggest that it is time for a change.

• You feel a chronic lack of interest. Going to class becomes an extremely painful chore.
• Your academic performance has dropped significantly. Despite the work you put in, you do not achieve satisfactory grades.
• The degree program has disappointed you greatly. The realities of science do not coincide with your expectations.
• You have discovered a new, concrete career path. Your career goals have suddenly changed.

Procedure in a nutshell — how to transfer to another major or university?

The process of changing a university or direction is based on specific rules. This is not chaos, but an orderly path. Below you will find answers to the most important procedural questions. Treat them like your to-do list.

Do I need to re-enroll?

Usually not. Transferring to another university is a completely different procedure than standard admission. You do not have to go through the graduation certificate contest again.

The decision on your admission is based on an assessment of your studies to date. It is the dean of the new faculty who analyzes your results and makes the final decision.

Where to start the whole change process?

From carefully reading the Rules of Study of the university you want to transfer to. This is your most important document and your only official source of information. In it you will find all the formal rules.

There you will check the application deadlines and the specific requirements. The regulations are always available on the university's website.

How to write an application and justification that will convince the dean?

Focus on substantive and positive arguments. The rationale for the change of study is the most important element of your application. The dean wants to receive a student motivated, not disappointed. You need to show that your decision is well thought out and has a solid foundation.

Avoid emotional arguments. Phrases like “I don't like it at my current university” work to your disadvantage. Instead, use specifics that show your ambitions.

• A good argument: “I want to develop in specialization X, which is available in your department.”
• A good argument: “The degree program in this major is better suited to my career plans in industry Y.”
• Bad argument: “The professors at my university are weak and teach me nothing.”

Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns — What to Know Before Moving?

Every situation is different. Therefore, a lot of questions and myths have accumulated around the transfer process. We have collected these most recurring doubts. Below you will find simple and specific answers to them. This will allow you to better prepare for the challenges ahead.

Can the dean refuse to transfer?

Yes, the dean has every right to refuse. It is his autonomous decision. The most common reasons for refusal are purely formal. This may be too low a grade point average or too large programmatic differences between majors.

Sometimes the reason is simpler — there are no vacancies for the year you are applying for.

What if I have one item unaccounted for?

It doesn't have to derail your plans. Many colleges allow a change of college with a non-passed subject. However, this usually involves the need to obtain a “conditional entry”. This means that you will have to catch up at a new university. It all depends on the individual decision of the dean.

How much does it cost to transfer to another university?

The transfer process itself is usually free. Universities do not charge fees for submitting and processing an application. Potential costs may come later.

These may be fees for repeating items that will result from program differences. In addition, there are small administrative fees, for example for issuing a new card.

When is the best time to submit documents?

The safest moment is the holiday period. This is best done after passing the entire academic year and the summer exam session. Change of university after 1 year is the most popular scenario.

Trying to change course of study during the semester is procedurally complicated. It is rarely successful because it is difficult to synchronize two different lesson plans.

Are you changing the university to one in another city? How to organize a start in a new place

The decision to change college is often the decision to move. This is an additional logistical and emotional challenge. New city, new people, new surroundings. The key to success is good preparation. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary stress and chaos at the start.

I'm changing college, what about the apartment?

This is one of the biggest challenges. You have to take care of the formalities at the university and look for accommodation at the same time. All this happens under a lot of time pressure. The guarantee of a good and safe apartment takes a huge burden off your shoulders.

This allows you to focus on what matters most. Your priority should be acclimatization, meeting new people and making up for program differences.

StudentSpace dorms are a solution designed for students in such a situation.

• Online booking. You can arrange a student apartment months before the move. You don't even have to come to Krakow.
• No worries. Forget about precarious contracts, bail bonds or looking for roommates at the last minute. At StudentSpace, all utility charges are included in the rental price.
• Supportive community. From the first day you are among other students. This makes it immensely easier to integrate and make new friends.