Well, well, well we meet again... what a pleasant surprise, well for you anyway. Today's post is a bit of a serious one! WOOOOAAAH HOLD THE FRONT PAGE, a serious Sib, yes I know it's hard to believe. But it's a topic quite close to me, and I realise it's increasingly becoming a regular occurrence then I thought it was two years ago. As numerous friends I have met or already have, have experienced the exact same. Not only that a fair few people have confided in me this year, (wow! That doesn't sound big headed at all) and I'm not in any shape or form an expert, but I'd thought I would share my experience.... due to the fact when I was in this position there was very little help posts.
Also I'd like to warn you in advance, as per this is going to be a very long post, but I feel it needs to be done to help you process the decision, if like myself you were or are struggling with the decision of university. Or your at university now and wanting to drop out.
My Story
Last year I attended my first year at Manchester Met, studying International Fashion Promotion course. If you're reading this and thinking of applying for this course, but you want a creative, practical work course this isn't the one. This is more business orientated, which I lacked knowledge of because it was a new course. However the lecturers on the course were fab, and the friends I made on the course, it just wasn't for me.
To make matters worse I didn't enjoy halls.... nor did I get on with my flatmates (artefact 1- below) arguments via noticeboard (just a heads up, I'm the "bitch" apparently!)
If I could go back to this time last year I would have dropped out earlier when I was unhappy. Now everything's better now I'm studying in London. So change can look and sound daunting but it could make things a whole lot better.
1.) Don't listen to what others say! - this includes teachers & "friends"
Everyone's always going to have an opinion on your life, especially ones that are bored with their own. The most common phrased used if university isn't for you "You will end up doing absolutely nothing with your life!" - And they are completely wrong there are so many other options (which will be listed below). At the end of the day teachers only push you to go to university for the number and stats for them, I didn't realise it until I left school, but its harsh and true. They never really push other options, which for some people is the better alternative.
2.) It's okay to explore other options or take a break from the decision:
When I was thinking of dropping out my brothers helped me think of an alternative, but in my head I knew I wanted to still go to university, just a different one. As it's regarded as a big decision you could take a gap year, not only before you go to uni but even after you drop out. It will help you decide what you want to do, and potentially you could try and earn some money in the mean time, if you think money is going to be a huge strain.
You could always go down the foundation route, especially if you're looking to do a creative course an art foundation is sometimes more appreciated from admissions then coming straight from high school (down to my own experience during interviews). The work load and the college, laid back style of teaching will help you realise is uni for you.
Apprenticeships or work... It all depends on your chosen career path. I knew I had to go to university to learn the skills and also be provided with the resources for my course, and location was a huge deal for me. It all depends on the opportunities given to you.
3.) "So I want to drop out of university..."
I say first... talk to someone about it! There's nothing worse than bottling up.. yes I'm aware I said don't listen to others opinions, but it's always good to listen to others advice I just mean it's not right. I didn't talk to my parents until it was too late, but they were so supportive and I was just scared about the decision.
If you're scared about having to tell your lecturers or some upfront in person (lol, the Sib year ago massive scaredy cat) you could email the enquires of your department and they will most likely send you the form which you can fill in online. Now I would happily tell them as maybe they can help you out with the process. Don't worry universities are used to people leaving so they will be supportive and help you make the best decision.
At the end of they day your making a decision that's hopefully going to make you happier, so if you're not happy YOU need to change that.
4.) Can I re-apply later on?!
Yes... student finance supply you for four years. I mean you can still use more than 4 years worth of university study it just means you'll have to fund it yourself. Even if you don't know if leaving university is for, or you just need a break you can take a gap year and defer a year... there's no rush in making the right decision
5.) "Is money going to be a big issue?!"
Yes and No, it all depends what type of person you are and how student finance have supported you. Also another major factor is where you are living, for example it was cheaper for me to live in Manchester than it is London.. but that's not just for students, London is just an expensive city. However student finance do compensate if you want to study in London, but not by massive amounts.
If you feel like money is going to be an issue, get a job (wow! I sound like your mum there). You might need to, to help pay for rent or you fancy a bit more disposable income. Especially around September / October loads of places are hiring especially students due to people previously leaving or they're already prepping for the Christmas demand. It will also help you to meet new people and interact more which is a plus!
7.) Remember everyone's experience is different!
Again apologies for the long post.. but it's a subject you can't just skim through. I also hope this helps in some way, to be honest when you're making this decision by yourself at first trying to confide in the internet for the answer, at first.. is one of the hardest decisions (well you feel like it is). Once I told my parents (secretly they already knew I was unhappy) it was the biggest weight off my shoulders. If you want anymore advice relating to university just comment below and I'll try and help out or email me at siobhan_663@hotmail.com. My future posts will relate to 'studying fashion at university', 'finding somewhere to live for 2nd year' and 'portfolio and personal statement help'.
Thanks again.. bye for now!
Sib xo
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