College and UCAS?

So, I dropped out of the university of Salford after I realised I didn't like what I was studying (nor do I like Salford as a place) and wasn't really sure what I wanted to do after wards. I planned on soul searching a little, thinking about my prospects. I finally figured it out: Graphic Design, so I dived into a late UCAS application. I was almost done - I applied as an independent applicant as that is what I am, yet when I went to college to find my graphics teacher in order to ask for a reference from her, I was shouted at by the equiry people there for not applying as a student from their college. I was very confused as I'm not a student there anymore... Were they right to say that? I can't get a reference now, meaning no university so... A little pissed off.