Dropping out of University immediately

OingoBoingo1979

Reposting because I feel like I tagged the wrong forum and don't know how to change it. I also don't know what other site to ask that won't tear me to shreds.

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 at my own level
- 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. 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

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by OingoBoingo1979

You say, "I wish I'd done fashion instead". Have you checked to see whether any universities still have places on their Fashion courses available via Clearing?

If so, call them-up and explain your situation and ask if they'll be willing to accept you for their Fashion course (were you to apply). Try to get them to put that in writing (i.e. via e-mail).

Did you apply for your foundation degree in Concept Art via UCAS? If so, and you've got the green light on the Fashion course, then go into UCAS Hub and click the "Decline my place" button to decline your existing Concept Art course - that will drop you into Clearing. Then add the Fashion course as your Clearing choice.

You should also contact the Concept Art uni to let them know you won't be coming, and you'll need to update student finance with details of to which uni they should be sending the tuition fee (assuming that applies).