Should You Change Majors or Just Stick It Out? [Full Student Guide]
You're halfway through your second semester. Your lectures feel like a drag. You don’t vibe with the subject. Maybe you’re struggling to pass, or maybe you just realized… you kinda hate this major.
And now you’re asking the Big Question:
Should I change majors — or just stick it out and hope it gets better?
This guide will help you figure that out. No fluff, no academic guilt — just real talk for students in the middle of an identity crisis (because we’ve all been there).
You’re Not the Only One Questioning It
First, breathe. You’re not broken or behind.
In fact, over 30% of uni students change majors at least once. Some change more than that — and still graduate on time or end up doing better after.
Changing majors doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It means you’re adjusting to new information about yourself.
Signs You Might Need to Switch
Here’s how to know if the discomfort is temporary — or a signal for something deeper.
You dread classes, even the core ones. Not “it’s hard,” but “this feels meaningless.”
You’re not curious about anything in your major — no side Googling, no “aha” moments.
You’re doing it for someone else (parents, high school expectations, etc).
You’ve already mentally checked out but feel trapped by sunk cost.
You’re doing fine academically, but it all feels... off.
If multiple points hit home, it’s worth re-evaluating.
Reasons to Stick It Out (For Now)
Sometimes, you don’t need a new major — you just need new momentum.
You might want to stay put if:
You’re struggling, but you still like the field
You’re only in general/intro classes, which don’t reflect upper-year content
Your discomfort is tied to burnout, not boredom
You’re just going through a rough patch, like mental health dips or life stress
The major is flexible, and you can specialize later (e.g., business, comms, STEM fields)
Ask yourself: Would I like this more if I were less tired and overwhelmed? If the answer’s yes, take a pause — not a U-turn.
But What About the “Wasted Time”?
Here's the truth: nothing is wasted if it taught you something.
Even if you switch majors:
Some credits might still count toward electives or gen eds
You’ll learn faster because you already know how uni works
You’ll avoid wasting more time being stuck somewhere wrong
Regret isn’t about changing — it’s about staying stuck for too long.
How to Explore Other Majors Without Fully Committing
Before you make the switch:
Audit a class or sit in on lectures in the new field
Chat with upperclassmen already in that major
Look up the required subjects and ask yourself if you’d be excited to study them
Take an elective or gen ed that aligns with the new major
This helps you move from “this sucks” to “this feels better” — with real evidence.
Talk to an Academic Advisor (Seriously)
Yes, they’re helpful. Yes, you can be honest.
Academic advisors can tell you:
What credits transfer
How the switch affects your graduation timeline
Which majors align with your current courses
How to plan a minor instead, if you're halfway through
If you’re scared of wasting time, this convo helps de-risk the switch.
Ask the Hard Question: Are You Avoiding Challenge or Choosing Growth?
Sometimes we want to switch because things get tough. And that’s fair — uni is hard.
But challenge isn’t always a red flag. Ask:
Do I hate the subject, or just hate struggling?
Do I want to switch, or do I want something to be easier?
If I knew this major would still lead to a job I like, would I stay?
Be honest. Not all hard things are wrong things.
What If You Still Don’t Know What to Do?
That’s fine. Try this:
Delay the decision for one semester if your uni allows
Mix your classes next term: some major, some “maybe” field
Use tools like Duetoday AI to stay on top of both — even while exploring
Duetoday can help you summarize lectures, create study guides, and stay organized across subjects. That way, whether you’re testing out new waters or catching up in your current major, you’re not drowning.
Duetoday even turns your notes into flashcards and quizzes — helpful when you’re juggling unfamiliar topics.
A Major Isn’t a Life Sentence
Your degree isn’t your destiny. People switch, pivot, and blend skills all the time:
Engineering majors go into product management
Psychology grads work in UX design
Arts students dominate marketing roles
Commerce grads start nonprofits or build startups
It’s not about getting it “right.” It’s about finding something you can stick with, grow in, and not dread showing up to every day.
FAQ
How late is too late to change majors?
Most unis let you switch up until the end of your second year without major disruption. After that, it depends on your credit load and flexibility of your new program.
Will switching delay my graduation?
It might, depending on what credits transfer. But many students who switch early or strategically can still graduate on time — or just one semester later.
Can I switch back if I regret it?
In most cases, yes. Just keep your options open and stay in touch with your academic advisor.
Should I tell my parents I'm thinking about switching?
That depends on your relationship. But if they’re helping fund your degree, it’s worth a transparent convo. Frame it as wanting to do something that’s a better fit — not quitting.
Is Duetoday helpful if I’m switching majors?
Totally. Whether you’re in multiple fields or trying to catch up fast, Duetoday turns lectures into smart notes, quizzes, and searchable study guides. It helps you study smarter — no matter what major you're in.
