Help I've been rusticated! and other problems...

Hiraeth1992

I've got some big dilemmas to think about, but haven' t managed to find anyone to talk to.

First of all, I am old for an undergrad, already. I had to take a year out of school before A levels, and then enrolled on a four year course. I became ill last term, and because I missed quite a lot of the work necessary for my finals, I have been effectively forced to rusticate.

I am turning 23 in January. This feels way too old to still be doing the weekly essays and tutorials, and, moreover, I would love to move on with life, try and find a job, my own place to live, etc.

But how could I possibly throw away an Oxford degree?

In short, I really don't know what to do. Should I just leave Oxford? Should I find somewhere to live in Oxford so that I am at least with friends? Should I do something completely different for the rest of this academic year (though my resources are very limited)? I'm so confused!

Reply 1

mishieru07

12

Original post by Hiraeth1992

I've got some big dilemmas to think about, but haven' t managed to find anyone to talk to.

First of all, I am old for an undergrad, already. I had to take a year out of school before A levels, and then enrolled on a four year course. I became ill last term, and because I missed quite a lot of the work necessary for my finals, I have been effectively forced to rusticate.

I am turning 23 in January. This feels way too old to still be doing the weekly essays and tutorials, and, moreover, I would love to move on with life, try and find a job, my own place to live, etc.

But how could I possibly throw away an Oxford degree?

In short, I really don't know what to do. Should I just leave Oxford? Should I find somewhere to live in Oxford so that I am at least with friends? Should I do something completely different for the rest of this academic year (though my resources are very limited)? I'm so confused!

First of all, really sorry to hear of your illness! I hope you're feeling better now.

I really wouldn't worry about being 23 - there are plenty of people who start degrees later than usual, or rusticate during their studies for various reasons (eg second degrees, military service). At the end of the day, you're going to spend several decades working until you retire. The difference of a year or two isn't significant in the long run.

I'm assuming you're one year away from graduating? If I were you, I'd seriously consider pushing through that last year and getting your degree. It's only an additional year, and you've already spent 3 years on it. Also, depending on what sort of field you want to go into in the future, a degree (particularly one from Oxford) might really help in opening doors. Certainly in my industry, a degree is a necessary pre-requisite.

Alternatively, I would suggest transferring, but you might have to spend more than one year to graduate in that case.

In the meantime, would it be possible for you to undertake a job or internship? You don't have to stay in Oxford; I think most of the people I know who rusticated went home. Is that an option for you?

Reply 2

BGN

I didn't end up in that position but let's be logical about it:

Firstly, have you been sent down or rusticated for disciplinary reasons? If so, I would advse contact with OUSU as you will need specialist advice on what to do.

Secondly, I would say that you must keep in contact with your tutor on a regular basis, to ensure that they know what you are doing. Even if you decide to jack in the course, it's essential to maintain contact, so that they can discuss your decision with you. I assume you have the kind of tutor who is bothered about your welfare and even worried and concerned for you personally. My tutor popped round to visit me once, when I had the flu- It wasn't a 'where's my essay?' call but a 'how are you?' I've heard of Deans going to hospitals and so on, to ask 'How is our student- can we have him/her back, please?'

Thirdly, I am sure there is a student advice and support system in Oxford and I am sure that they will be concerned about what is happening with you- the fact that you are thinking about jacking will be of special concern to them and I am sure that they will reach out to you even if you are not in town.

I am confident that once you've met a few friendly faces and had a chat, you'll be able to formulate your plans. You got in, now it's time to get out with a Degree. : )

Help I've been rusticated! and other problems...

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