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Doubts in studies
Photo: Sebastian Reuter

Guide: Overcoming Challenges in College? Or Changing Majors?

Every experience helps us move forward.

The pressure to perform, test anxiety, and fear of failure are common challenges that many students struggle with. Your packed schedule until you graduate within the standard period of study may leave you with little time for other things. And during the semester, is your focus always on the next exam period? On top of that, there’s the issue of financing your studies and the obligations that come with it. It’s all not so easy...

As a general rule, choosing the right major is crucial.

In other words, if you’re interested in the course material, you’re happy to take on the stress and challenges. You’re not doing this just for career reasons or because others expect it of you, but to expand your own knowledge. And this is your chance to grow both professionally and personally. Everyone grows through the challenges they face!

The stress level has to be manageable.

Your time in college reveals how resilient you are and how you personally handle the demands placed on you. The key lies in striking the right balance between all your responsibilities. This means that if you put a lot of effort into one area, you’ll need to cut back in another. You should slow down your study pace accordingly if additional work, such as a part-time job, is necessary. Proper time management will then ensure you have free time.

What if college isn't for me after all?

If you’re experiencing constant unease and low spirits that aren’t resolved even by switching majors, perhaps your course of study itself is the problem. If you’re dealing with chronic stress, you need to address the root causes of that stress! It demonstrates personal strength to admit that you can’t go on like this and that you want to make a change—it shows your ability to reflect on yourself!

Failing to achieve something is not just an end, but always a beginning as well.

There are alternatives to college, and your new career should definitely be a good fit for your personality. One option is vocational training, which opens up many opportunities in the job market. Companies offering training programs are interested in college dropouts because they bring experience and skills from their studies and draw new strength from their past challenges.

Focus on a new goal?

At the University of Applied Sciences Jena, the Career Service is your point of contact for this.

If you are unsure about your studies, it is advisable to seek a consultation early on. Through our work on the “PereSplus | Perspectives for Students with Doubts – Skilled Workers for Thuringia” project from 2018 to 2020, we have built a network that offers information and contacts for career reorientation.

Take on the many challenges—they’ll eventually lead you to your goal!

The following section lists topics related to everyday student life, providing guidance and identifying specific contacts both within and outside the university. 

"I feel overwhelmed, constantly under pressure to perform, and I'm afraid of the next exam."

  • Learn about study and time management techniques. (What’s the priority?)
  • Set realistic study goals for yourself on an ongoing basis. (What do I want to accomplish tonight?)
  • Switch between subjects regularly and try to avoid distractions.
  • Take regular breaks and find a way to unwind (e.g., through exercise).
  • Implement your study plan step by step and reward yourself for your successes! (Evening reflection: What went well today?)

► Contact Person University of Applied Sciences Jena | Career Service

► Additional contacts | Psychosocial Counseling, Studentenwerk Thüringen 

“I don’t think this program is right for me. I’m no longer motivated to continue my studies.”

You no longer see any point in investing further energy and effort into your studies. The course content doesn’t interest you. You don’t see any career prospects after graduation...

  • Decide for yourself whether changing your major or transferring to another university is a sensible alternative.
  • Which degree program suits your talents and abilities? Which subjects would motivate you?
  • Reflect on your current academic situation and identify your options. 
  • If a degree program isn’t for you after all, find out about vocational training or direct career entry opportunities.

► Contact at the University of Applied Sciences Jena - Changing Majors | Central Student Counseling

► Contact at the University of Applied Sciences Jena - Career Alternatives | Career Service

► Additional contacts - General career counseling | Academic team at the Jena Employment Agency

Feel free to take advantage of the open consultation hours offered by the Career Counseling Service for Students at the Jena Employment Agency—every Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“I feel like I’m missing the practical experience alongside all the theory.” 

“I’d like to get involved in something alongside my studies.”

“I don’t feel sufficiently informed about job opportunities alongside my studies.”

If you feel you want to gain more practical experience alongside your studies, you should definitely pursue this goal. If you’re financially dependent on working while studying anyway, you’ll have no choice but to take on a part-time job. It’s recommended that you combine this with your field of study and look for a relevant academic position. This will also help you advance professionally.

If you can also contribute the time and motivation... feel free to volunteer within or outside the university. This work experience will show you that soft skills are not just an elective module in your studies.

  • Don’t just take any job—gain academic work experience alongside your studies: as a working student, research assistant, through an internship, and/or, at the latest, through your thesis, which you can write while working at a company  

    Student/research assistant: perfectly combines work and study. You’ll get to know the university better, which can also be useful for your studies. You’ll gain practical experience related to your coursework and can work as a tutor, in administration, or on research projects. Payment is made after graduation (hourly wage). 

    Work-study position: offers you a job in the business world that is closely related to your studies. Employment is usually for a longer period. You pay contributions for pension insurance, unemployment insurance, and long-term care insurance. Your benefits: gaining practical experience, expanding your qualifications, flexible working hours, full-time work during semester breaks, possible credit toward a required internship, networking, improving your career prospects, potential partners for your thesis(es), attractive compensation. 

    Check our job portal regularly—Stellenticket University of Applied Sciences Jena

  • Take advantage of the opportunities at the university and get involved in a university committee. There are many ways to participate and contribute: You can participate in student committees (Student Council, Student Representative Council) or in departmental committees (e.g., Departmental Council, Examination Board), as well as in university-wide committees (e.g., Senate, Academic Affairs Committee). Here, you’ll experience firsthand how the university system works, help shape processes, and learn what democracy is all about.
  • Volunteering is enriching, helps you grow personally, and requires skills you will definitely need time and again in your professional life. Any kind of involvement is rewarding, whether in social, international, athletic, or political clubs or associations. You give back and learn a great deal in the process.

► Contact University of Applied Sciences Jena - Gain Practical Experience | Career Service

► Contact person University of Applied Sciences Jena - Involvement at the university | Student Council (StuRa)

"I'm worried about my financial situation." 

“It’s hard for me to balance my studies and work.”

There are several ways to finance your studies. A mix of different options makes sense here: In addition to financial support from your parents or BAföG, you can work and apply for scholarships. Students can also turn to loans and funds for additional support.

► Contact at the University of Applied Sciences Jena | Career Service

"I feel insecure, overwhelmed, and stressed." 

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to finish my studies.” 

“I need support.”

Take advantage of counseling and support services. Take each step one at a time, no matter how hard it is—you learn from every challenge. Even if lows follow highs, keep going... because every experience helps you move forward. And when you’ve accomplished something, you’ve grown, and you can be proud of that!

  • Find ways to reduce the time and performance pressure of your studies, e.g., by studying part-time or taking a semester off.
  • Find out about accommodations for exams.
  • Take advantage of additional services offered by external counseling centers in your area.
  • First Aid - Checklist for Students: When Does It Become Critical?

► University of Applied Sciences Jena Contact Person - Studying with a Health Impairment | Diversity Officer

► Contact at the University of Applied Sciences Jena – Part-time Studies/Semester Off | Student Affairs Office (Service Center for Studies and Academic Advising)

► Additional contacts - Studentenwerk Thüringen | Overview of counseling services

“I feel torn between my studies and my family responsibilities.” 

Taking on family responsibilities is challenging. Either you already have a child or children, or you’re caring for a family member, which requires time, energy, and personal organization. As a result, you can’t focus on your studies as much as you feel you need to. It is important now to stay calm and take it step by step to find a way to balance your studies and family life.

  • Pregnancy/Maternity Leave and Childcare | Information on Studying with a Child | Please note the maternity leave regulations under the Maternity Protection Act for female students (Intranet)
  • Organize childcare options
  • Apply for financial support: maternity allowance, parental allowance, child benefit
  • Clarify the framework conditions for your studies: leave of absence, tuition fees, part-time study if applicable
  • When caring for a relative - Clarify the conditions for your studies: leave of absence, semester fees, part-time study if applicable

► Contact University of Applied Sciences Jena | Student Office (Service Center for Studies and Academic Advising)

► Contact at the University of Applied Sciences Jena | Equality Advisory Board | Equality Advisory Board (Intranet)

► Additional contacts - Studentenwerk Thüringen | General Social Counseling

"I'm afraid I'll fail my next exam and not be able to finish my degree." 

A large number of students fail their first exams, especially in the core subjects. That’s not necessarily a reason to doubt your ability to succeed in your studies. Rather, it’s a challenge you can overcome!

  • Assess your level of preparation for the next exam and prepare for it in a structured way.
  • Take advantage of available support, such as counseling services, tutoring, or seminars on study skills.
  • If you fail the retake exam despite intensive preparation, it makes sense to explore alternatives.
  • If a degree program isn’t right for you after all, find out about vocational training programs or direct career entry opportunities.

► Contact University of Applied Sciences Jena | Exam Offices | Central Student Counseling

► Contact at Studierendenwerk Thüringen | Psychosocial Counseling at Studierendenwerk Thüringen  

"I would like to drop out of college and start vocational training."

Please research the available training options and your career prospects in advance. You can have the skills you acquired during your studies credited toward the training curriculum or duration.

This test provides a rough assessment of your own skills and interests, followed by feedback.

► Contact at the University of Applied Sciences Jena - Career Reorientation | Career Service

► Contact person - Career counseling and training opportunities for students who drop out 

This flyer provides a brief summary of tips and advice for the period following your withdrawal from the university.