JF going "off books"?

peckingduck

I have been steeped with a number of personal issues in my life since I started college a few months ago. I had considered taking a year out before I began and realize now I've made a huge mistake. I have emailed my tutor to discuss going off books as I honestly can't cope with being in college currently. I was reading the TCD website and it says they "normally" require JF students to withdraw and reapply through CAO the following year and will not allow them to go off books. My issue here is that I literally scraped in, to a course I absolutely adore but am just not in the mindset to continue this year. Will I be forced to withdraw? It is not that I'm not bothered, it is that I honestly have had the worst year of my life.

Grimebox

Better off just talking to your tutor and possibly your course co-ordinator too. Sometimes tutor's don't know all the rules that can bent

djcervi

peckingduck wrote: »

I have been steeped with a number of personal issues in my life since I started college a few months ago. I had considered taking a year out before I began and realize now I've made a huge mistake. I have emailed my tutor to discuss going off books as I honestly can't cope with being in college currently. I was reading the TCD website and it says they "normally" require JF students to withdraw and reapply through CAO the following year and will not allow them to go off books. My issue here is that I literally scraped in, to a course I absolutely adore but am just not in the mindset to continue this year. Will I be forced to withdraw? It is not that I'm not bothered, it is that I honestly have had the worst year of my life.

With regard to your question, I don't see why you should have to reapply for the following year. If you pass your exams and coursework, College shouldn't really make you drop out and reapply. I'd get in touch with your Department and Admissions office for more information. Some tutors might not know those procedures, so your best bet is the above.

I know this doesn't apply to your question. But I wanted to say that if you feel you're not coping well in college, there is a good support network in the Student Counselling Service. As someone who has gone through personal problems while in College, I've found them to be extremely confidential, helpful and supportive.

Best of luck with whatever decision you make!

Olderboy

I went off books during my JF year on medical grounds. It was very straight forward and the Tutor was a great help so you should def talk to yours. I was allowed straight back into my original course, however I chose to change course and that required the CAO route again.

As mine was medical it was not a problem, perhaps if you are really having problems you should speak to someone in the TCD counselling service, they may be able to recommend a leave of absence for you.

The one thing I would strongly recommend is doing all of this as soon as possible as once you re register in January you have 'used up' one of your years of free fees. It took me lot of effort to get mine recognised as medical leave and was almost liable for full fees on my return.

Hope that helps

I agree with all the suggestions above, especially to consider the counselling service if you're struggling, they really are great in there, from experience