u/Sea-Drama299

Hi,

I wondered if any older, wiser people could give me some advice please.

I attended Cambridge uni and withdrew a few years ago after the first year despite getting a decent grade. it was less so the work as the subject wasnt too difficult but I was spiralling so deep into depression that I lost all motivation and desire for any sort of future and decided to withdraw so I didn't completely lose the will to live. I felt very isolated, judged, and I would be so upset daily that it was distracting from my studies. I had sleep paralysis every night I was in Cambridge which relieved itself when I left. I dont have a stable home life and had a very difficult upbringing which added to my issues, probably not the unis fault rather my own issues resurfacing in an isolating environment.

I am applying to study again after a break and gaining my perspective and mental health back, I am excited to study again at a different university.

I now have the desire to make a good career and life for myself, Cambridge crushed my spirit for a while and I went off grid and completely rejected any sense of normal society for a while. I had always thrived and been happy and sociable, and very motivated before but this environment was really soul crushing for me, despite the lovely tutors and great education standards.

I do regret leaving in heinsight, as I have to pay to study again and will be a mature student and I do wish I had the Cambridge Brand to put on my CV, but this is a regret I will learn to deal with.

I dont have any family who have a corporate career, or a happy career, and i just wanted to hear from others who maybe started this route later than the 'norm' and have gone on to find happiness!

I also wanted to hear from people who didn't go to Cambridge uni and are happy in their careers/ law school, as inspiration always helps! Or from individuals who went to oxbridge and changed environent and thrived.

I am constantly comparing myself to my fellow classmates who have all graduated now and who seem to be doing really well - although they were also doing really well when I was studying with them!

Im mid 20s now, looking to study law and go onto have a mentally stimulating career where I can also help disadvantaged people at some point in my life after i've got a good skillset.

Ive managed to make good money without a degree, travel the world and fix my mental health and grow up a lot, although im not mentally stimulated at all hence why i want to go back to study.

Thanks for your time, have a good day/night!