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I don’t know whether to drop studies or continue

I only have one semester left but I will explain.

A year before I began University (approximately 4 months before I sent my UCAS application) I told my parents I wanted to do an apprenticeship.

They didn’t know what an apprenticeship was, but whenever I tried to explain to them they didn’t want to hear it and told me to go university instead - which is what I did - I am currently studying Economics.

Since then I have been in countless arguments to my parents about this decision and I often regret not taking this matter in my own hands where I should have just applied for an apprenticeship but I just feared how my parents would have reacted. I often stay up late (even today) and come home just questioning why am I going to university - I just don’t think it’s worth going to a lecture room for 2 hours looking at a presentation based of a textbook when I could have been at a workplace earning whilst also learning to adapt in a workplace and surrounding myself to colleagues who have experience in the field of choice.

Fast forward to now, whilst my father isn’t onboard, my mother realises her mistake and accepts and she recently told me I can drop studies. But the problem is I am in my final year with one semester to go.

Now that my mother said this, I literally have no intention to put in the work and it’s even more sour considering I feel these 3 years I could have spent the time way better. I put in the work in previous years - I took my studies seriously including attending almost every lecture, seminar, staying around a good group of friends who want to achieve good results and are positive minded, doing further work and communicating with my seminar teachers. I wouldn’t consider myself to be a lazy student or someone who does the work for the sake of it.

That’s a bit about me and my position - I highly doubt anyone might be in the same boat as me but please have a read and let me know.

Reply 1

I am not really good at giving advice but I would say you shouldn't drop out of uni now. Only a few months are left! Since you have struggled so far, you can struggle a bit more and get it over with.
Original post by Anonymous
I only have one semester left but I will explain.
A year before I began University (approximately 4 months before I sent my UCAS application) I told my parents I wanted to do an apprenticeship.
They didn’t know what an apprenticeship was, but whenever I tried to explain to them they didn’t want to hear it and told me to go university instead - which is what I did - I am currently studying Economics.
Since then I have been in countless arguments to my parents about this decision and I often regret not taking this matter in my own hands where I should have just applied for an apprenticeship but I just feared how my parents would have reacted. I often stay up late (even today) and come home just questioning why am I going to university - I just don’t think it’s worth going to a lecture room for 2 hours looking at a presentation based of a textbook when I could have been at a workplace earning whilst also learning to adapt in a workplace and surrounding myself to colleagues who have experience in the field of choice.
Fast forward to now, whilst my father isn’t onboard, my mother realises her mistake and accepts and she recently told me I can drop studies. But the problem is I am in my final year with one semester to go.
Now that my mother said this, I literally have no intention to put in the work and it’s even more sour considering I feel these 3 years I could have spent the time way better. I put in the work in previous years - I took my studies seriously including attending almost every lecture, seminar, staying around a good group of friends who want to achieve good results and are positive minded, doing further work and communicating with my seminar teachers. I wouldn’t consider myself to be a lazy student or someone who does the work for the sake of it.
That’s a bit about me and my position - I highly doubt anyone might be in the same boat as me but please have a read and let me know.

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your position, hopefully I can give you a little advice.

It sounds like you have put the work in and made some great memories these past three years. You do only have a few months left, so in my opinion, it would definitely be worth it to keep going and achieve that degree. Even if you don't think it'll be useful, you've made it this far. Could the degree itself be used to your advantage in the future, instead of you explaining you almost completed it but don't have the qualification? That is something to consider.

Everyone chooses a different path after university (and high school), so I wouldn't consider yourself behind or this time wasted. You've gained knowledge, discipline, and it sounds like you have some great friends too. Starting an apprenticeship after you graduate is always an option, if that is something you'd like to do.

That is just my perspective, but only you know what you truly want to do. It might also be useful to reach out to your personal academic tutor or another member of staff to receive some support with this.

I hope this helps, and best of luck to you.

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 3

Original post by NazifaNawer
I am not really good at giving advice but I would say you shouldn't drop out of uni now. Only a few months are left! Since you have struggled so far, you can struggle a bit more and get it over with.


Hey no worries. It just I feel any motivation to do work has just fully dropped

Reply 4

Original post by Anonymous
Hey no worries. It just I feel any motivation to do work has just fully dropped


I will try and pick myself up from the dust I guess

Reply 5

Original post by Chester Student
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear about your position, hopefully I can give you a little advice.
It sounds like you have put the work in and made some great memories these past three years. You do only have a few months left, so in my opinion, it would definitely be worth it to keep going and achieve that degree. Even if you don't think it'll be useful, you've made it this far. Could the degree itself be used to your advantage in the future, instead of you explaining you almost completed it but don't have the qualification? That is something to consider.
Everyone chooses a different path after university (and high school), so I wouldn't consider yourself behind or this time wasted. You've gained knowledge, discipline, and it sounds like you have some great friends too. Starting an apprenticeship after you graduate is always an option, if that is something you'd like to do.
That is just my perspective, but only you know what you truly want to do. It might also be useful to reach out to your personal academic tutor or another member of staff to receive some support with this.
I hope this helps, and best of luck to you.
Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student


Hey there. Appreciate your words. I have looked into masters apprenticeship for the time being and they do interest , but it just the thought that I could have better spend my 3 years continues to air around in my head. I will give the final sem a go at this rate.

Reply 6

Original post by Anonymous
I will try and pick myself up from the dust I guess


Good luck! After you graduate, give yourself a pat on the back for not being a quitter.

Reply 7

It’d be a shame to dropout now you’re so close to the end. I have a friend who was in a similar position to you she took the attitude once she has the degree no one can take that away from her it’s only 5 months and then exams and then you’re done I’d try to tough it out.

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