The Student Room Group

Dropping out of university immediately

I have applied for a three year course in Concept Art (FD) and start next week. I regret my choice more than anything for many reasons:
- concept art is a competitive field
- people value experience or a good portfolio more than a degree, you RARELY need a degree, while I am at uni I will not be working on my experience in the industry (though my work will further my portfolio)
- not even sure if I want that job anyway, in hindsight I'd rather do something physical
- I don't like being taught, I'm a very hard working and organised individual and spend ALL my spare time developing and refining my skills for work. I don't like a back-to-basics structure and want to jump in and develop at my own level and not the classes
- I wish I'd done fashion instead (my current university doesn't offer this) but considered myself a complete beginner so thought I would've looked a fool (But they would've taught me!!)

WHY have I done this. I hate myself for it. I at least could've picked a less niche degree because not even concept art jobs look for a concept art degree, let alone unrelated jobs. With the pressure of application deadlines coming up I decided to just do it, I literally did my application and submitted it minutes before the deadline. There were many other factors pushing me to do it but since then my life has changed a lot and I've had time to reflect.
I haven't started yet but I can't waste this time and I can't waste this money.

I REALLY need advice. I'm incredibly lost. Should I drop out? When should I drop out as to not doom myself financially paying it back and have some university funds if I want to go into fashion instead. I know I should do it in first year but how long can I try this out? I'm terrified and it all seems hopeless.
Reply 1
Original post by OingoBoingo1979
I have applied for a three year course in Concept Art (FD) and start next week. I regret my choice more than anything for many reasons:
- concept art is a competitive field
- people value experience or a good portfolio more than a degree, you RARELY need a degree, while I am at uni I will not be working on my experience in the industry (though my work will further my portfolio)
- not even sure if I want that job anyway, in hindsight I'd rather do something physical
- I don't like being taught, I'm a very hard working and organised individual and spend ALL my spare time developing and refining my skills for work. I don't like a back-to-basics structure and want to jump in and develop at my own level and not the classes
- I wish I'd done fashion instead (my current university doesn't offer this) but considered myself a complete beginner so thought I would've looked a fool (But they would've taught me!!)
WHY have I done this. I hate myself for it. I at least could've picked a less niche degree because not even concept art jobs look for a concept art degree, let alone unrelated jobs. With the pressure of application deadlines coming up I decided to just do it, I literally did my application and submitted it minutes before the deadline. There were many other factors pushing me to do it but since then my life has changed a lot and I've had time to reflect.
I haven't started yet but I can't waste this time and I can't waste this money.
I REALLY need advice. I'm incredibly lost. Should I drop out? When should I drop out as to not doom myself financially paying it back and have some university funds if I want to go into fashion instead. I know I should do it in first year but how long can I try this out? I'm terrified and it all seems hopeless.

You can change your University and course.
If you don't know how to do it on your online account, call SFE and talk to them.
Good luck!
If you have doubts then do not go and study concept art if your gut is telling you its not the right programme. Take a year out and do some background research. Go to open days and talk to your careers adviser at School/college. Lots of people are in your position and feeling lost so you are not alone. Take a breath, take time for yourself to figure things out then apply for 2025 entry via UCAS by Jan 2025. You owe this to yourself, its a key - life changing - decision.

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