A suggestion dropping out of or failing a class in your first year at uni may actually be a positive thing.
Ministry of Education data shows a third of the tertiary students doing fees-free courses last year, failed or dropped out of at least one paper.
Universities of New Zealand head Chris Whelan says for many students, that's not bad thing.
He told the Weekend Collective they can start off studying something, realise it's not what they actually want to do - and move on to another subject.
"Otherwise, you're going to be stuck doing something you may hate, not just for three years of degree but possibly heading into your career, so far better to find out what you enjoy early."