5 Ways to Know if a Change of Major is Right for You

Choosing a college major can be intimidating- there are so many options and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Many people do not know what career they want to have in the future, so it can be difficult to choose a subject to focus on. It is completely normal to change your mind about what field of study you want to focus on. In fact, it is actually common for college students to change their major at least once. Here are a few signs that you should change your college major: 

  1. You Cannot Pay Attention in Your Classes to Save Your Life

If you are sitting in core class for your major and find yourself online shopping every two seconds or scrolling through your Pinterest boards, this could be a major sign that your major is not right for you. If you are not enjoying your classes, why are you taking them? If you have no desire to engage during lectures for your major courses then maybe it’s time to look into some other ones.

  1. You Want to Try Something New

Perhaps since the ripe age of six years old, you have always wanted to be a doctor. Maybe you always thought that this was your path, but then when you got to college, you found yourself being interested in other subjects such as journalism or computer science. It’s okay to explore other interests- in fact, it’s better than working toward one thing for so long, only to realize later in life that this is not your passion. It can be rewarding and enjoyable to step out of your comfort zone and explore different subjects and potential careers. 

  1. It Feels Impossible to Succeed in Your Classes 

If you spend countless hours preparing for your classes and your grades are not reflecting your efforts, this may be a sign that you should switch to a different major. It is not worth it to continue to take major courses that you make feel stressed and discouraged more often than not. It’s okay to struggle sometimes, but make sure that the challenges you are facing in these courses are worth overcoming. In the end, it may suit your skills better and give you a breath of fresh air if you try to pick a new path of study. 

  1. You Only Picked Your Major to Make Big $

Some people want to live comfortably enough to buy a Lambo or Prada bag in the future. It makes sense to desire a career in which you can make the money to indulge in these things. If you only picked your major because you thought it could help you land a job where you make some big bank, this may be the reason why you should switch. It is important to have a job that sustains you in life, but it is also important that you love that job. Do not sacrifice your talents and passions for money because in the end, you may not only lose the cash, but you just may rob yourself of being happy in life. 

  1. You’re Just Not Feeling It

Sometimes, you have to listen to your intuition and go with your gut. If your heart is telling you that this major is not right for you, have some faith in yourself and take the leap to trying a new major. You may find that it will be the best decision you ever made in college.

If you make the choice to love what you are learning, you may just find your perfect future career. It is important to soak up the wonderful opportunity to explore courses that interest you. By delving into a subject you are passionate about, you will enjoy the process more and make the most out of your time at college. If you find the signs above relatable, have faith in yourself and don’t be afraid to change your major!              

Coming home from college for the first time

It’s that time of the year again- college freshman are finally heading back home for the first time since starting their adventure on campus. Ahh this November break has everyone on the edge of their toes, with some wonder if they will fall victim to the dreaded turkey drop (aka break ups between high school sweethearts), or feel caged inside their homes after experiencing so much freedom at their new school. Perhaps, the fall break is music to your ears because you have been homesick the last few months and just can’t wait to see old friends and your family. Well, whatever the case may be, here’s a list of the feelings and changes you might notice once you come home the first time from college:

  1. You will notice everything that moved around in the house

That picture in your room was moved to a different spot on the wall by your mom?? You’ll notice it. A new decoration was hung in the kitchen? Your eyes will jump right to it.   The smallest changes will be made and they will feel huge to you- like a blow to the face. You no longer live in the house and it feels as if everything is moving on without you. Just realize you’re moving on from it, too.

2. Your group of friends from high school will gradually become smaller

The people that surrounded you in high school were your world- that is, until you came to college and there were fresh faces everywhere you turned. There is only so much time to see your best friends- the ones who will stay by your side through thick and thin!

3.  You may be slightly out of shape

The freshman fifteen is real guys. Going to college is a transition and often, it is hard to find time to workout in the middle of meeting so many people and trying so many new things! Honestly, give yourself a break if you haven’t done your normal trip to the treadmill. Just try to eat well and begin to set a plan for yourself that will help you stay fit- a little goes a long way. Working out will relieve stress from school and make you feel not only healthier, but happier as well!

4. Everyone got older

I came back from college and my little brother had grown so much- I couldn’t believe it!! It may be a slight shock to see people you know grow up in the time you’ve been away. It may be even more of a shock that YOU have grown up and people see you now as a young adult now. Like I still feel 16 what happened??

5. Freedom is everything

You will crave freedom. Coming back home means coming back to live under your parents’ roof- and their rules. You can no longer go to Taco Bell at 1 am. You may not be able to crack open a cold one with the boys (I mean a soda) or have a day with the girls without reporting what time you will be coming and going and where. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it may be frustrating to some. Have patience and know that it is temporary!!

6. You will appreciate everything more

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room…. Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home…. that’s right, Taylor Swift said it best! She wished she had never grown up and sometimes, you get that feeling when you come back from college. So appreciate those home cooked meals, laughing with loved ones, and going to sleep in your bed. You never know how much time you have, until it’s gone.