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Considering dropping out?! - Read here first!
Ok, I, after 6 weeks at university dropped out.
Do i regret it? No, not one bit..but it has been very hard.
Theres been a lot of threads about at the moment from people who are considering dropping or are currently going through the process of dropping out- so this is a little advice thread for those going through it. It's a big decision and is life changing so im going to post a bit of advice, and maybe those whove been through it aswell can post their own advice. Feel free to ask questions aswell!!
Why do you want to drop out?
Really ask yourself this, there are some reasons that can be solved without dropping out..
eg:
1. I don't get on with my flatmates- can you move to another flat?
2. I want to do another course - can you move courses within the same university
3. I can't afford it - have you seen your students union, they can help you with fianancial contingency funds
However, reasons such as being unhappy, not liking the university etc are fair enough, life is simply too short to be somewhere where you aren't happy and interested in what you're doing.
Ok, i want to drop out- now what?
Before you make the decision final by speaking to those who can help..give it a few days, if you start doubting this a decision, question whether its what you really want.
Different universities have different procedures for dropping out, however the best thing you can do first is contact your tutor or course leader to discuss your decision. Usually this is a good idea whilst your considering it, however once a decision has been made, do stand your ground, make sure your reasons are clear. Try refering to your academic handbook aswell on the universities regulations on dropping out.
What next?
Dropping out for some means going back to live at home- this can be tough especially when you've got used to living by yourself, as you're loosing an element of independance and living by your rules. Discuss your decision with your family and see what they can do to help you settle back in.
Also make sure you leave with a plan- what you're going to do and why, and stick to it!
Money
As a student money is a BIG issue..you may have to pay back overdrafts, etc. Different universities have different rules on what you have to pay back such as tuition fees and grants. Contact the people relevant to that, and also contct your bank in which you have your student loan, see what they can do. Also speak to the student loans company
The unexpected gap year
Ok, so you've dropped out..you've gone back to being a 'normal civilian' now what?! Well to be frank the world is your oyster. This bit is up to you, you can work, travel..whatever!! Finding work can be tough as it means a good few weeks without any income coming in, it's a good idea to sign onto job seekers allowance to keep you going until that job comes along!!
Reapplying to university
If you're like myself and chose the wrong course at the wrong university, then it's likely you'll want to reapply for next year! Try contacting your previous sixth form or college and see if you can apply through them and sort your statement out (if you're looking to do another course)
Some people wonder whether its worth mentioning you've dropped out on your previous application form, personally i didn't as i simply didn't spend enough quantitive time at my old university and don't see how mentioning it can help me. However if you decide too, don't worry about them holding it against you, many universities understand that people make mistakes and the fact you're rectifying them shows good potential!
I hate giving up on things- i feel so worthless for dropping out, but i know i'm happy i did
It's very common to feel a failure after dropping out, it's accepting you're not happy and some people may act surprised at that. You're not a failure, you'd be even more of a failure if you'd stayed at a place you were unhappy at doing a course you weren't happy doing..and not doing well in that course!!!! Try and see it as a career change, many people do it whilst working, why can't you do it whilst learning? The brilliance of university is that you're incharge of your education- and thats exactly what you've done!!
If theres anything i havn't covered, or any questions post them here..i know im not the only 2008 drop out, so come and join. It's really tough in the job market at the moment, so i know i need support.
I also realise theres a 'starting university support thread' on the health and relationships page, by all mans look through there..but i just wanted a thread for those who'd had issues at uni, and were getting through on the other side!!
Thanks
Anna
Do i regret it? No, not one bit..but it has been very hard.
Theres been a lot of threads about at the moment from people who are considering dropping or are currently going through the process of dropping out- so this is a little advice thread for those going through it. It's a big decision and is life changing so im going to post a bit of advice, and maybe those whove been through it aswell can post their own advice. Feel free to ask questions aswell!!
Why do you want to drop out?
Really ask yourself this, there are some reasons that can be solved without dropping out..
eg:
1. I don't get on with my flatmates- can you move to another flat?
2. I want to do another course - can you move courses within the same university
3. I can't afford it - have you seen your students union, they can help you with fianancial contingency funds
However, reasons such as being unhappy, not liking the university etc are fair enough, life is simply too short to be somewhere where you aren't happy and interested in what you're doing.
Ok, i want to drop out- now what?
Before you make the decision final by speaking to those who can help..give it a few days, if you start doubting this a decision, question whether its what you really want.
Different universities have different procedures for dropping out, however the best thing you can do first is contact your tutor or course leader to discuss your decision. Usually this is a good idea whilst your considering it, however once a decision has been made, do stand your ground, make sure your reasons are clear. Try refering to your academic handbook aswell on the universities regulations on dropping out.
What next?
Dropping out for some means going back to live at home- this can be tough especially when you've got used to living by yourself, as you're loosing an element of independance and living by your rules. Discuss your decision with your family and see what they can do to help you settle back in.
Also make sure you leave with a plan- what you're going to do and why, and stick to it!
Money
As a student money is a BIG issue..you may have to pay back overdrafts, etc. Different universities have different rules on what you have to pay back such as tuition fees and grants. Contact the people relevant to that, and also contct your bank in which you have your student loan, see what they can do. Also speak to the student loans company
The unexpected gap year
Ok, so you've dropped out..you've gone back to being a 'normal civilian' now what?! Well to be frank the world is your oyster. This bit is up to you, you can work, travel..whatever!! Finding work can be tough as it means a good few weeks without any income coming in, it's a good idea to sign onto job seekers allowance to keep you going until that job comes along!!
Reapplying to university
If you're like myself and chose the wrong course at the wrong university, then it's likely you'll want to reapply for next year! Try contacting your previous sixth form or college and see if you can apply through them and sort your statement out (if you're looking to do another course)
Some people wonder whether its worth mentioning you've dropped out on your previous application form, personally i didn't as i simply didn't spend enough quantitive time at my old university and don't see how mentioning it can help me. However if you decide too, don't worry about them holding it against you, many universities understand that people make mistakes and the fact you're rectifying them shows good potential!
I hate giving up on things- i feel so worthless for dropping out, but i know i'm happy i did
It's very common to feel a failure after dropping out, it's accepting you're not happy and some people may act surprised at that. You're not a failure, you'd be even more of a failure if you'd stayed at a place you were unhappy at doing a course you weren't happy doing..and not doing well in that course!!!! Try and see it as a career change, many people do it whilst working, why can't you do it whilst learning? The brilliance of university is that you're incharge of your education- and thats exactly what you've done!!
If theres anything i havn't covered, or any questions post them here..i know im not the only 2008 drop out, so come and join. It's really tough in the job market at the moment, so i know i need support.
I also realise theres a 'starting university support thread' on the health and relationships page, by all mans look through there..but i just wanted a thread for those who'd had issues at uni, and were getting through on the other side!!
Thanks
Anna
Scroll to see replies
Thanks a lot for that post. I dropped out too after a few weeks of uni, realised it wasn't for me and that I'd chosen the wrong course (chosen the wrong course twice in fact, which didn't make matters easier!) So in the end, had to defer my entry to the same uni and this time picked the right course that I wanted to do. So I'm a lot happier now- I can now get a full-time job for this year, meaning more money for uni and work experience. I feel a lot happier knowing that I have a whole year ahead of me before rushing into anything- and I have a whole year deciding what I want to do, as it seems to change every week! I know that a degree is probably my best option but I'm just not ready for it yet which is difficult to explain but I have my reasons. I went straight into uni from college because all my friends were doing it and I just thought that was the normal thing to do. The only bad point about having a gap year is that it can get pretty lonely- every single one of my friends has moved away, and the boyfriend is in full-time work, but I guess that'll get easier when I have a job and things to fill up my time.
AmberB
Thanks a lot for that post. I dropped out too after a few weeks of uni, realised it wasn't for me and that I'd chosen the wrong course (chosen the wrong course twice in fact, which didn't make matters easier!) So in the end, had to defer my entry to the same uni and this time picked the right course that I wanted to do. So I'm a lot happier now- I can now get a full-time job for this year, meaning more money for uni and work experience. I feel a lot happier knowing that I have a whole year ahead of me before rushing into anything- and I have a whole year deciding what I want to do, as it seems to change every week! I know that a degree is probably my best option but I'm just not ready for it yet which is difficult to explain but I have my reasons. I went straight into uni from college because all my friends were doing it and I just thought that was the normal thing to do. The only bad point about having a gap year is that it can get pretty lonely- every single one of my friends has moved away, and the boyfriend is in full-time work, but I guess that'll get easier when I have a job and things to fill up my time.
I know exactly how you feel, especially the bit about being lonely..my ex boyfriends being a dick, my friends are all away..and its just me, my brothers..and the cats and it is lonely..i just want to get working asap!!
Were your parents supportive in all of this? I've been so unhappy during the last few days and I just want to leave now and start all over again but whenever I talk to my parents about it they just tell me it's part of life and I shouldn't give up at the first obstacle.
blackberry_stone
Were your parents supportive in all of this? I've been so unhappy during the last few days and I just want to leave now and start all over again but whenever I talk to my parents about it they just tell me it's part of life and I shouldn't give up at the first obstacle.
Naturally they questioned whether its what i really wanted to do but, they've seen im happier now i'm not there- and see that im really working on finding a job, reapplying etc.
Like i said, have a plan - its not part of life to be unhappy!
blackberry_stone
Were your parents supportive in all of this? I've been so unhappy during the last few days and I just want to leave now and start all over again but whenever I talk to my parents about it they just tell me it's part of life and I shouldn't give up at the first obstacle.
My mum was very supportive of me. She said to give it a go, but I had done and so she knew it was the best thing to do. She realised once I'd got back that I really wasn't ready for uni. She saw how stressed I was which made her even more supportive of my decision to have a gap year. If you've given it your best shot but still are unhappy- then I think it's fair to say that you haven't just 'given up at the first obstacle' and that you need to have a fresh start. I'm sure your parents will understand; no one wants their kid to be unhappy, whether or not they are at uni. Good luck with it
great post anna, really helpful
River85
Honest and informative.
Would you mind if I include some of this in a future sticky or wiki article? You'll get credit
Would you mind if I include some of this in a future sticky or wiki article? You'll get credit
Go for it, dropping out isn't as honestly discussed here on tsr...and many people don't realise it's NOT a bad thing!
Great post Anna. Honestly could've used it last year, I spent a whole year doing a course I didn't enjoy at a university I hated just because I was afraid of what people would think and I thought I was letting myself down. When I think back to how unhappy I was and the serious amount of time and money I wasted
.... oh well. 
I'm positive about the future, even though I'm still a little unsure. I hope this does get made into a sticky, could help a lot of people.
.... oh well. I'm positive about the future, even though I'm still a little unsure. I hope this does get made into a sticky, could help a lot of people.Dijobla
Great post Anna. Honestly could've used it last year, I spent a whole year doing a course I didn't enjoy at a university I hated just because I was afraid of what people would think and I thought I was letting myself down. When I think back to how unhappy I was and the serious amount of time and money I wasted.... oh well. Positive future. I hope this does get made into a sticky, could help a lot of people.
.... oh well. Positive future. I hope this does get made into a sticky, could help a lot of people.What are you doing now?
I'm on an art foundation course at my local college, and looking for work. I'm applying to study architecture, but to be honest, I think I would like to do something different and exciting like African studies or to make films 
. My dad doesn't even know I'm doing art 
he's got it in his head I'm doing engineering or maths <<< told him about a million times but in one ear...
. My dad doesn't even know I'm doing art he's got it in his head I'm doing engineering or maths <<< told him about a million times but in one ear...
Great post :-)
I dropped out after a few weeks this year, realised I'd chosen completely the wrong course and wasn't at all ready for uni yet.
I was terrified at the time at what everyone would think of me but luckily people have been very supportive and now I've been home a couple of weeks I can see it was the right decision, I'm so much happier, and even starting work next week :-)
Just returning to the stress of personal statement writing, thought that was well behind me, alas!
- Ami -
I dropped out after a few weeks this year, realised I'd chosen completely the wrong course and wasn't at all ready for uni yet.
I was terrified at the time at what everyone would think of me but luckily people have been very supportive and now I've been home a couple of weeks I can see it was the right decision, I'm so much happier, and even starting work next week :-)
Just returning to the stress of personal statement writing, thought that was well behind me, alas!
- Ami -
magic_box
Great post :-)
I dropped out after a few weeks this year, realised I'd chosen completely the wrong course and wasn't at all ready for uni yet.
I was terrified at the time at what everyone would think of me but luckily people have been very supportive and now I've been home a couple of weeks I can see it was the right decision, I'm so much happier, and even starting work next week :-)
Just returning to the stress of personal statement writing, thought that was well behind me, alas!
- Ami -
I dropped out after a few weeks this year, realised I'd chosen completely the wrong course and wasn't at all ready for uni yet.
I was terrified at the time at what everyone would think of me but luckily people have been very supportive and now I've been home a couple of weeks I can see it was the right decision, I'm so much happier, and even starting work next week :-)
Just returning to the stress of personal statement writing, thought that was well behind me, alas!
- Ami -
lol omg i ALMOST applied for the same degree as you...!!! (for next year) good luck on the job, im still searching but have about 5 interviews lined up in the next 2 weeks..just on JSA atm
anna_spanner89
lol omg i ALMOST applied for the same degree as you...!!! (for next year) good luck on the job, im still searching but have about 5 interviews lined up in the next 2 weeks..just on JSA atm
Well, it was a good degree, just not for me!!
Thank you! Good luck with your interviews, I'm sure you'll find something soon
I only had my job interview today, when they told me I'd got it I was very shocked!-Ami -
Credit OP, I almost dropped out in the first few weeks and know the exact feeling people may be experiencing - I managed to eventually change course and settle in, but I'm just the other side of the coin, because where I have stayed on, others may have dropped out. I felt really depressed in the first week, and it was only familial support that kept me going to sort something out, but circumstances for dropping out are numerous and no one should feel ashamed if they do choose to.
Well, I considered dropping out, but after the first term things got a whole lot better and the second and third year were amazing. I made some amazingly good friends and we had some awesome nights out. I also made some good contacts and am doing a Masters in which they have have paid the tuition fees and are also paying me to study it and travel around the country for a bit. Having said that I transferred from a London uni before this, and one of the main reasons why was because the lecturer put a slide up stating that the year before 39 % of people failed the module.
Just remember that studying is generally nice and flexible, and that you get amazing holiday breaks, especially in the summer.
Just remember that studying is generally nice and flexible, and that you get amazing holiday breaks, especially in the summer.
anna_spanner89
Go for it, dropping out isn't as honestly discussed here on tsr...and many people don't realise it's NOT a bad thing!
Well, it is a bad thing, as it costs a bloody fortune and wastes a year of your life. But I would agree with you in that good things can come out of it.
Best of luck.
Hedgeman49
Well, it is a bad thing, as it costs a bloody fortune and wastes a year of your life. But I would agree with you in that good things can come out of it.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
a waste?! Im currently planning the best year of my life!
anna_spanner89
a waste?! Im currently planning the best year of my life!
I'm talking in professional terms, you'll be entering the job market a year later than planned.
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