[Crest14]

I'm from a very working class background and just completed my first year. I remember when I applied I did not think I would get in as it was popular and I didn't think I could get the 3 A's I needed, at the time I was looking at ABB but somehow I got an offer, for AAA. So I worked really hard and my parents paid for extra classes which they couldnt really afford, and I got the 3A's.

But when I arrived, I had a terrible time of it. The first group of friends I made turned out to be less than pleasant, and were my first eye opener that there are people out there who are just evil and cruel, and you don't need to have done anything to provoke them to feel their wrath.

I then spent 2 months (to the day) completely alone, with no friends whatsoever, and I went into depression. It was time for everyone to look into getting houses and I had no one so had to apply for Uni accommodation again. Eventually some people took pity on me and invited me into their group. I enjoyed going out with them clubbing as I never had the opportunity at home, and I went to dinner with them all the time. Later on they had a space in their house but I had to decline it because I simply could not afford the rent. From that point they were still my friends, but I felt embarrassed explaining I couldn't afford it so I just went with "I've already booked Uni accommodation, so can't accept it" that didn't fool them, and while they continued to be my friends, I think they did feel snubbed and relations became cooler, not nasty or anything, as I say they were still friendly, but not "really" friendly as they had been.

I was really bored during the days as well, and hated it, it felt like prison but I was let out on the odd night or two to go clubbing with the others.

Then worst of all, I failed 3 of my end of year Exams, including 2 subjects that I had been great at in School, stats and Maths (both A* at GCSE) Stats Module A* in A level, and Maths overall A, and I'd need to resit them in the summer. So after this, I decided to quit, I told my parents and they were disappointed but accepted it, and I went on JSA and started looking for jobs.

But looking at the jobs they were menial shop work which I think would be a waste of my A levels, but even they refused me, and I see so many other jobs insist on a degree. I just think my life would be hindered without a degree, and their is snobism out there that thinks you're stupid if you don't have a degree, jobs openly say they are for graduates only no matter how much experience and skills you'd collect over a lifetime, no degree no job. And speaking to all the friends I made at Uni now on Facebook makes me realise I miss them, and despite it being mostly bad, it wasn't completely all bad.

I have to fill in the withdrawal form and I just can't bring myself to do it, even though I hated it there, it just feels like I'm throwing away all that hardwork, and the few friendships I did make.

[TheSownRose]

(Original post by Crest14)
I'm from a very working class background and just completed my first year. I remember when I applied I did not think I would get in as it was popular and I didn't think I could get the 3 A's I needed, at the time I was looking at ABB but somehow I got an offer, for AAA. So I worked really hard and my parents paid for extra classes which they couldnt really afford, and I got the 3A's.

But when I arrived, I had a terrible time of it. The first group of friends I made turned out to be less than pleasant, and were my first eye opener that there are people out there who are just evil and cruel, and you don't need to have done anything to provoke them to feel their wrath.

I then spent 2 months (to the day) completely alone, with no friends whatsoever, and I went into depression. It was time for everyone to look into getting houses and I had no one so had to apply for Uni accommodation again. Eventually some people took pity on me and invited me into their group. I enjoyed going out with them clubbing as I never had the opportunity at home, and I went to dinner with them all the time. Later on they had a space in their house but I had to decline it because I simply could not afford the rent. From that point they were still my friends, but I felt embarrassed explaining I couldn't afford it so I just went with "I've already booked Uni accommodation, so can't accept it" that didn't fool them, and while they continued to be my friends, I think they did feel snubbed and relations became cooler, not nasty or anything, as I say they were still friendly, but not "really" friendly as they had been.

I was really bored during the days as well, and hated it, it felt like prison but I was let out on the odd night or two to go clubbing with the others.

Then worst of all, I failed 3 of my end of year Exams, including 2 subjects that I had been great at in School, stats and Maths (both A* at GCSE) Stats Module A* in A level, and Maths overall A, and I'd need to resit them in the summer. So after this, I decided to quit, I told my parents and they were disappointed but accepted it, and I went on JSA and started looking for jobs.

But looking at the jobs they were menial shop work which I think would be a waste of my A levels, but even they refused me, and I see so many other jobs insist on a degree. I just think my life would be hindered without a degree, and their is snobism out there that thinks you're stupid if you don't have a degree, jobs openly say they are for graduates only no matter how much experience and skills you'd collect over a lifetime, no degree no job. And speaking to all the friends I made at Uni now on Facebook makes me realise I miss them, and despite it being mostly bad, it wasn't completely all bad.

I have to fill in the withdrawal form and I just can't bring myself to do it, even though I hated it there, it just feels like I'm throwing away all that hardwork, and the few friendships I did make.

What's going to be different this time round that will stop you from hating it?

[hannabeth]

Is there any way you could repeat the year? Start fresh. It would give you a whole new range of people to meet and you could get another shot at getting better grades.

[Shelly_x]

Go back, you can start over again with friendships formed in halls.

[Hannahbal]

You'll meet new people in halls, not necessarily the same type. It might be better this time around.

I have a feeling part of the reason why you were bored during the day and that it "felt like a prison" was that you felt such negative feelings towards you from the people around you. Believe me, I had a similar experience this year. I'll be going back into halls next year to mentor the new students, though (very different situation regarding the housing, however). Did you do your work while you were in your room or did you procrastinate? If you feel you can't work in your room, maybe read on a bench or work in the library/a spare computer room.

Did you enjoy the course? Do you want to learn? If the answer's yes, that's a definite reason to go back.

Extra point, don't feel ashamed about having a low income. My parents have never earned much, despite my dad being educated at Manchester. It's not your fault you were born into the background that you were. It doesn't mean you have to shout about it, but it's better to tell the truth than to hide it. Besides, I think "I can't live with you because I can't afford it" is a better reason/less likely to offend than "I've already booked uni accommodation" (implied: I can't be bothered to try and sort things out with the accommodation services so I can move into yours because living with you doesn't mean that much to me).

But yeah, it really sounds like your main problem was friends, not the degree. So I'd say make an effort to change that next year. Good luck, although I hope you won't need it.

[Kukukichu]

Carry on with the degree, it would be a shame to waste all your hard work just because you've met a few bad apples. Don't you get along with any of your classmates? perhaps get a part-time job to help you get that little bit more money for things and the people you work with are not only colleagues, but potential friends too.