The Student Room Group

Quitting uni at the end of first year ?

Ok so I've pretty much decided I'm not happy with how things are going and hence I'm gonna just leave at the end of this academic year. I would've left earlier but the financial implications mean that isn't a realistic option so now I've got to stick it out for another few months. I've somewhat given up with my course and I'll likely end up failing anyways so I guess the question is, has anyone else dropped out at the end of the first year and if so any advice ?

Scroll to see replies

Original post by fefssdf
Ok so I've pretty much decided I'm not happy with how things are going and hence I'm gonna just leave at the end of this academic year. I would've left earlier but the financial implications mean that isn't a realistic option so now I've got to stick it out for another few months. I've somewhat given up with my course and I'll likely end up failing anyways so I guess the question is, has anyone else dropped out at the end of the first year and if so any advice ?


What financial implications? I dropped out first semester, I knew almost immediately but stuck it out for one term, just make the most of it? Look for things to do to put on your CV, meet some cool people and yeah just try and make the most of it.
I have never dropped out but I guess the important thing is to just think very carefully about what you want to do next. Do you wanna do another course/study at a different uni/do an apprenticeship/just get a job for a while. If you're not sure just find a job and start working, you have plenty of time to work out what you wanna do with your life so just make sure you're 100% happy with any further choices you make.
Reply 3
Original post by Abdukazam
What financial implications? I dropped out first semester, I knew almost immediately but stuck it out for one term, just make the most of it? Look for things to do to put on your CV, meet some cool people and yeah just try and make the most of it.


financial implications - paying the rest of my accommodation fees which is £3000 and also potentially having to pay back bursary money from the uni
Moving this into the University section.
Original post by fefssdf
Ok so I've pretty much decided I'm not happy with how things are going and hence I'm gonna just leave at the end of this academic year. I would've left earlier but the financial implications mean that isn't a realistic option so now I've got to stick it out for another few months. I've somewhat given up with my course and I'll likely end up failing anyways so I guess the question is, has anyone else dropped out at the end of the first year and if so any advice ?


Hello :smile:,

In all honesty, it's good that you are waiting out till the end of the year - whether it was by choice or because you have too. Waiting until the end of the year is always the best because at least you'll get the credits for completing the year. You may have given up but still try and put some effort in because even if you pass with a third, you've passed - so that's something.

I'm sorry to hear that university and your course isn't what you wanted and you've came to this decision! It's a real shame to hear.

There are many people that drop out at the end of first year - my advice would be; think about where you want to go from here. Are you going to look for a job? Are you going to get a apprenticeship? Are you going to wait for a while and then maybe return to university? There are loads of options - just make sure you take your time to decide what you want to do!

Best of luck! :smile:
Reply 6
Original post by JustGeorgeJ
Hello :smile:,

In all honesty, it's good that you are waiting out till the end of the year - whether it was by choice or because you have too. Waiting until the end of the year is always the best because at least you'll get the credits for completing the year. You may have given up but still try and put some effort in because even if you pass with a third, you've passed - so that's something.

I'm sorry to hear that university and your course isn't what you wanted and you've came to this decision! It's a real shame to hear.

There are many people that drop out at the end of first year - my advice would be; think about where you want to go from here. Are you going to look for a job? Are you going to get a apprenticeship? Are you going to wait for a while and then maybe return to university? There are loads of options - just make sure you take your time to decide what you want to do!

Best of luck! :smile:


Thanks so much for the advice ; in all honesty I don't know what I want to do really . I'd quite like to get a job and work for a bit then maybe return to uni at a later date but not sure
Original post by fefssdf
Thanks so much for the advice ; in all honesty I don't know what I want to do really . I'd quite like to get a job and work for a bit then maybe return to uni at a later date but not sure


No problem at all! That's the thing, you don't have to know, just take a break - see what you can do and what opportunities are there! Sounds like a plan!
Reply 8
Original post by JustGeorgeJ
No problem at all! That's the thing, you don't have to know, just take a break - see what you can do and what opportunities are there! Sounds like a plan!

Thanks ; can I ask what is your current situation ? Are you studying or at work or uni
Original post by fefssdf
Thanks ; can I ask what is your current situation ? Are you studying or at work or uni


I am in my Third Year at University!
Original post by fefssdf
Ok so I've pretty much decided I'm not happy with how things are going and hence I'm gonna just leave at the end of this academic year. I would've left earlier but the financial implications mean that isn't a realistic option so now I've got to stick it out for another few months. I've somewhat given up with my course and I'll likely end up failing anyways so I guess the question is, has anyone else dropped out at the end of the first year and if so any advice ?

I dropped out at the end of first year:smile:

In my case I decided that a slightly different course and a different city would make me happier so I reapplied to start again elsewhere. It was finalised before my end of year exams so I spent the loan I'd saved up on going to Florida that week instead:wink: looking back that was pretty silly - I could have got a passing mark and an early exit award for passing the year. But you live and learn:biggrin:

If you're not sure about what to do next then definitely make the most of the rest of your time at university. Join clubs/societies, meet new people, volunteer, fundraise....you're in a brilliant environment for exploring. Go to lectures with your friends on other courses and use the university library to see if other courses get you interested.
Reply 11
Original post by JustGeorgeJ
I am in my Third Year at University!


Ah cool ; what you studying and where if you don't mind me asking ? Do you know what you wanna do after uni ?
Original post by Abdukazam
What financial implications? I dropped out first semester, I knew almost immediately but stuck it out for one term, just make the most of it? Look for things to do to put on your CV, meet some cool people and yeah just try and make the most of it.


same
Original post by fefssdf
Ah cool ; what you studying and where if you don't mind me asking ? Do you know what you wanna do after uni ?


I'm studying Drama in the Community, afterwards I'm going to study MA Drama specialising in Playwriting
Reply 14
Original post by JustGeorgeJ
I'm studying Drama in the Community, afterwards I'm going to study MA Drama specialising in Playwriting


Oh right that's cool :smile:
Reply 15
Original post by PQ
I dropped out at the end of first year:smile:

In my case I decided that a slightly different course and a different city would make me happier so I reapplied to start again elsewhere. It was finalised before my end of year exams so I spent the loan I'd saved up on going to Florida that week instead:wink: looking back that was pretty silly - I could have got a passing mark and an early exit award for passing the year. But you live and learn:biggrin:

If you're not sure about what to do next then definitely make the most of the rest of your time at university. Join clubs/societies, meet new people, volunteer, fundraise....you're in a brilliant environment for exploring. Go to lectures with your friends on other courses and use the university library to see if other courses get you interested.


Hi, I was just wondering if you could help me, I intend to drop out of uni at the end of this year also and like you did I have a place ready in a new city at a different uni in September. I was just wondering what you did about student finance, did you have to withdraw from your uni first and wait for them to contact SFE so you could apply for a new application? If so when did you withdraw? Or did you just start a new application and withdraw from uni after that?
Original post by jen1913
Hi, I was just wondering if you could help me, I intend to drop out of uni at the end of this year also and like you did I have a place ready in a new city at a different uni in September. I was just wondering what you did about student finance, did you have to withdraw from your uni first and wait for them to contact SFE so you could apply for a new application? If so when did you withdraw? Or did you just start a new application and withdraw from uni after that?


If you're planning on completing the year DO NOT withdraw from your current university. If you withdraw in May/June after exams then SLC may well come after you for the overpayment of loans to cover the summer (only a few hundred pounds normally). You then would also need to apply as a new student (and so have to go through the identity checking bits of applying for finance again).

When you apply for your loan for 2017/18 (applications open next month) there is a question about whether you'll be on the same course/university as this year. Just answer "no" and then fill in the details of your new course....simple as that. Your new uni will confirm the details to SLC in the autumn and it's all straight forward.
Reply 17
Original post by PQ
If you're planning on completing the year DO NOT withdraw from your current university. If you withdraw in May/June after exams then SLC may well come after you for the overpayment of loans to cover the summer (only a few hundred pounds normally). You then would also need to apply as a new student (and so have to go through the identity checking bits of applying for finance again).

When you apply for your loan for 2017/18 (applications open next month) there is a question about whether you'll be on the same course/university as this year. Just answer "no" and then fill in the details of your new course....simple as that. Your new uni will confirm the details to SLC in the autumn and it's all straight forward.


Thank you so much! So when should I tell my current uni i'm not coming back in September? After exams?
Original post by jen1913
Thank you so much! So when should I tell my current uni i'm not coming back in September? After exams?


I would wait until August personally to avoid any mixups with over eager staff withdrawing you before the end of the year and when you inform them explain that you've transferred elsewhere (and ask about an early exit award)....that way you're officially into the next academic year and even if they inform the SLC it shouldn't affect your loan.

Talk directly to the school/faculty office or your student registry/student records team.
Reply 19
Original post by PQ
I would wait until August personally to avoid any mixups with over eager staff withdrawing you before the end of the year and when you inform them explain that you've transferred elsewhere (and ask about an early exit award)....that way you're officially into the next academic year and even if they inform the SLC it shouldn't affect your loan.

Talk directly to the school/faculty office or your student registry/student records team.


Okay thank you! Sorry to be a pain with all the questions but am I still able to do all this even if I'm not transferring into second year at the new university but starting again from first year?

Quick Reply