When did you realize that the degree subject you selected was not the right one for you?

Marlon: I noticed that I had to devote an excessive amount of time to studying, and that I struggled with the scientific content and all the formulas. After a while, I was honest with myself. Since I wasn’t that great at the subject and was becoming increasingly unhappy, I realized that I couldn’t keep carrying on; I needed to make a change.

Luisa: I finished my bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in business psychology and then began a master’s degree in business management. I noticed quite quickly that I was missing the psychological perspective in my courses.

How did you go about considering alternatives?

Marlon: I spoke a lot with my family and friends about this. I also took advantage of the Central Student Advisory Services offered by the University of Bremen. One of the things the advisor said left a lasting impression: Students who change degrees often feel like they’ve been given a second chance and this mindset helps them to really hit the ground running. That was the case with me as well. Following this advice, I looked for alternative degree programs. In hindsight, the choice was obvious – geography had always been my strongest subject at school, but I had never considered it because I thought the career perspectives were too uncertain. I now realize that was a mistake, since geography is not only a good degree program but also something I am passionate about.

Luisa: I had actually applied to the University of Bremen a year before, but by the time I was offered a place to study, I had already made commitments to study in another city. After I realized I was unhappy in my master’s program, a friend from my bachelor’s program, who is studying business management here at the University of Bremen, encouraged me to apply again.

Did you encounter any particularly difficult situations when transferring programs?

Marlon: Transferring my degree program was especially tricky with my BAföG student loan. Since geosciences and geography seem similar at a glance, the place in charge initially didn’t want to approve this transfer. However, these are two very different subjects and I really wanted to completely start over again without receiving credits from old courses. Coincidentally, my case was assigned to a new staff member who had a better understanding of my situation and provided more support.

Luisa: I thought a lot about whether the change was really the right decision for me, since I wasn’t just changing subjects, but also transferring to a different university and had to start over again in a new city. The transfer also meant cancelling a planned semester abroad in Finland. But I was certain that if I stayed in my previous degree program, I wouldn’t be fully satisfied with my degree and over time would not be able to focus on the subject that was really interesting to me.

When you think back on the time after you transferred programs, what changes were noticeable?

Marlon: After I switched, I felt right away that I was in the right place. In the very first semester, I worked on a project that I really enjoyed, and knew immediately that this was it. The professor encouraged my enthusiasm for geography and helped me to amplify it. I developed good friendships with two fellow students from that project. Of course, the pressure after changing degree programs was intense – I had the feeling like I had to perform, since a second switch wouldn’t be possible for me. But knowing this made me invest even more energy in my degree.

Luisa: I am much more interested in my lectures now. I am excited about the topics, and am much more motivated to engage with them. I have already noticed how much I have grown and learned about myself while studying this subject. The atmosphere among the students in my current degree program is very different from before; the career-focused, dog-eat-dog mindset has been replaced by collegiality. I am looking forward to using the expertise I gained during my degree to help those around me create a better work environment in a company setting or through my research.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to those who are currently considering whether transferring programs is right for them?

Marlon: Based on my experience, you notice rather quickly – usually after a month or two – whether the chosen degree program is the right one. Sometimes you try to convince yourself otherwise, but at some point, you should be honest with yourself and also talk with your family about it. It is completely normal to change or even discontinue a degree. But it is important to not delude yourself, to look for solutions, and have the courage to develop your strengths and passions. Changing your degree may be your second chance to really enjoy being a student.

Luisa: I would encourage everyone to gather personal insights into new, potential degree programs – perhaps by sitting in on lectures or participating in the Study Guides Program. And most importantly, to recognize that time spent in an uncompleted course of study wasn’t wasted. This time encouraged personal growth by facing challenges, gaining knowledge, and those experiences will help you in your new degree program.

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) Offers Guidance

The ZSB has a special information event (in German) for University of Bremen students about transferring programs on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – the “Fachwechsel-Freitag.” You can participate via zoom without prior registration, ask any questions you have, and profit from the questions of other participants. Additionally, there will be an “Offenes Bewerbungscafé” (in German) on Thursday, December 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. You are welcome to participate in this without prior registration as well if you have questions regarding applications for admission.
Of course, the ZSB is there for you at other times as well. Consultations take place without appointments on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consultations with appointments take place Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., either in person or online. You can reach the ZSB by phone at +49 (0)421 218-61160 or via email at zsb@uni-bremen.de.
Further information about the events and more can be found on the ZSB website.