Taking a break from college

wonderfulname

Is it possible to take a year or two out from your course? If I were to decide not to return in the coming semester would my results thus far still stand to me if I returned to finish the course at a later date or would I have to start from scratch? I don't particularly see this as happening but it would reassure those around me who think I've gone insane!

Also, if I were to brand not returning as taking a year out rather than dropping out altogether would I still technically be enrolled in DCU?

I know it's not really a question I should be asking here but the phones are out in DCU and that new site layout drives me up the walls so I figured I'd see what you guys had to say.

CatFromHue

I think you can defer for a year. When you come back you just carry on from where you left off. It doesn't affect your grades in any way.

To defer as opposed to dropping out you have to fill in a form to tell the college you're deferring.

Try contacting the college again on Monday to get the full details but yeah it is possible.

Stargazer7

Did it a few years back. Pressure was getting to me and just needed to take a year out to get myself together. Took the year out after 3rd year. It cost me ~E360 to defer but it was money well spent. My grades were dropping in third year and I think if I hadn't deferred I would've failed 4th year or worse. It's not for everyone and you need to be sure of yourself that you'll come back to finish, but if you think it's what you need, go for it.

Also, not to pry as you could be doing it for a totally different reason to me but there are counselling services and career services in DCU if you need advice. Lecturers are usually on hand too.

Best of luck.

wonderfulname

Thanks stargazer, I'm actually doing it for similar enough reasons, the sentiment is relevant anyway, was thinking about trying to get through to the student advice centre if everything is back to normal there on monday, that is, if there is anyone there this time of year?

I don't want to spend a year being completely unproductive either so I was considering a part time PLC type thing to indulge my not so academic interests, this is why I am wondering if I would still technically be enrolled in DCU if I went with the deferral, if a deferral meant I could do nothing outside of work I'd be better off dropping out because I really do need the time.

Stargazer7

wonderfulname wrote: »

Thanks stargazer, I'm actually doing it for similar enough reasons, the sentiment is relevant anyway, was thinking about trying to get through to the student advice centre if everything is back to normal there on monday, that is, if there is anyone there this time of year?

I don't want to spend a year being completely unproductive either so I was considering a part time PLC type thing to indulge my not so academic interests, this is why I am wondering if I would still technically be enrolled in DCU if I went with the deferral, if a deferral meant I could do nothing outside of work I'd be better off dropping out because I really do need the time.

From past experiences I'm pretty sure the student advice centre would be open normal hours during the week - I know that the counselling service runs during the summer anyways, so if you're stuck you can always drop in there, they're lovely.

I'm not sure about the PLC thing. I was in the same boat as you. I deffo needed time out but an entire year would make me go crazy. Ironically I ended up doing research in DCU for the year so I never left the place:rolleyes: But it alleviated the pressure and gave me time to clear my head. Possibly the best decision I've ever made...despite people close to me telling me it wasn't.

--LOS--

ye course you can, heard of somebody coming back after nearly 10 years!