What happens if I don’t go back to uni or pay for 2nd year?

9

Hi, I’m a first-year photography student. I’m thinking of not going back in October for second year. If I don’t show up and don’t pay, and I don’t tell the uni anything — what happens? Will they remove me from the course or will I get in trouble later?

To be honest, I feel like I didn’t learn much this year. We only had one street photography session and a few headshots. Second term was just headshots again. Even my classmate didn’t understand why we repeated that. Now we have to make a video slideshow, but no one taught us proper photography or composition. There’s also a boring class called Research Into Practice and I’ve learned nothing from it.

I feel like I would learn more from YouTube than from uni at this point.

Has anyone been in this situation or know what would happen?

Thanks.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

22

Original post

by Matadd

Hi, I’m a first-year photography student. I’m thinking of not going back in October for second year. If I don’t show up and don’t pay, and I don’t tell the uni anything — what happens? Will they remove me from the course or will I get in trouble later?

You will be removed from the course eventually for non-engagement/enrollment, but if you don't notify the uni and SFE then your loans may be paid out and hence you will need to repay the tuition fee loan for the second year in the normal manner when earning over the threshold, and you'll probably be required to immediately pay back the maintenance loan disbursed to you at the start of the course.

It is your responsibility to notify the university and SFE about your withdrawal and ensure that you are properly withdrawn from the course. Either you are withdrawing from the course and not continuing - in which case you need to take the necessary actions - or you are continuing in the course and thus need to engage in it. You're an adult now, you can't just slouch through life waiting for things to happen.

Given that this could be the difference between paying back an extra £9000+ over the course of your life earnings it behooves you to actually pull yourself together and do this, even if it is the last engagement you have with your uni.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 2

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Matadd

Hi, I’m a first-year photography student. I’m thinking of not going back in October for second year. If I don’t show up and don’t pay, and I don’t tell the uni anything — what happens? Will they remove me from the course or will I get in trouble later?

To be honest, I feel like I didn’t learn much this year. We only had one street photography session and a few headshots. Second term was just headshots again. Even my classmate didn’t understand why we repeated that. Now we have to make a video slideshow, but no one taught us proper photography or composition. There’s also a boring class called Research Into Practice and I’ve learned nothing from it.

I feel like I would learn more from YouTube than from uni at this point.

Has anyone been in this situation or know what would happen?

Thanks.

Which university is this?
Have you looked into other photography degrees at other universities?

Reply 3

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Hi- so sorry to hear you're feeling like this. It’s really frustrating when you feel like you’re not getting what you signed up for. Honestly, you’re not the first person to feel let down by a course and wonder if it's worth continuing. I transferred courses and universities in my second semester of first year and it is a decision I didn't regret!

If you just don’t return they will notice. Unis track attendance and engagement. They will contact you via email, sometimes phone. They’ll ask if you’re coming back, and eventually give you a deadline to respond. The issue with doing this is if you don’t 'officially' withdraw, Student Finance (if you’re using it) might still pay the uni for term 1 — and you could end up owing that money back. You’d also be charged tuition fees for the year unless you properly withdraw by a certain date (usually a few weeks into the new term). I had a deadline to withdraw by to ensure I would not pay my fees for the second semester of my first year. You don't want to end up in a mess with debts etc.

I would strongly advise you to talk to your course leader or personal tutor. They can offer guidance and support at a time where you will likely really need it. Don't be afraid to face the problem head on- I was so afraid to withdraw I found it hard to approach anyone to ask for help but I am so glad I did!! My tutor was so helpful and made the whole process so easy for me, I am sure you will receive the same treatment. If you are certain you want to defer or leave the course, it is much better to officially withdraw rather than put the issue out of your mind.

Also, don't be afraid to reach out to peers, friends or family for support in this decision, or your uni's wellbeing services. It really helps to speak out and get some extra help! Good luck with your decision and remember to look after yourself! 🙂

Ria
Official LJMU Rep

Reply 4

blackcatlover

11

Original post

by Matadd

Hi, I’m a first-year photography student. I’m thinking of not going back in October for second year. If I don’t show up and don’t pay, and I don’t tell the uni anything — what happens? Will they remove me from the course or will I get in trouble later?
To be honest, I feel like I didn’t learn much this year. We only had one street photography session and a few headshots. Second term was just headshots again. Even my classmate didn’t understand why we repeated that. Now we have to make a video slideshow, but no one taught us proper photography or composition. There’s also a boring class called Research Into Practice and I’ve learned nothing from it.
I feel like I would learn more from YouTube than from uni at this point.
Has anyone been in this situation or know what would happen?
Thanks.

Hi, i’m in Y12 planning to study photography at uni. Which university are you currently at? Thanks!