Give up on my dream?

LegacyUser

Im just looking for any advise, maybe someones been in the same situation and their was light at the end of the tunnel for them.

Ive returned to college as a mature student after being out of work for almost a year. I didnt qualify for BTEA and susi isnt giving me maintenence. I have literally no money coming in and I dont know what to do. Im applying for jobs absolutely everywhere but dont even get pfo's anymore. I didnt realise the market was still so bad.

Should I just bite the bullet and leave college and hope I can find a full time job to save enough up for fees and to support myself?

sunnyt

Hi OP,

First of all congratulations on going back to college and following your dreams. I'm sorry to hear you're having such a hard time.

How long is the course you're doing? Is it a four year degree or a one year PG/Master's? If it is a one year course could you spread it over two years instead? If you have more time to work you might have more options when you are looking for jobs.

Have you spoken to your student union or student advisor? Most colleges have one. The SVP may also be in a position to help.

I don't know what else to say other than I hope things get better for you. If you do decide to leave college this year to work be sure to follow correct procedures so as you can slot back in when your situation changes.

x

LegacyUser

Thanks for the reply.
Its a four year degree. I was told if I drop out now that if I come back I have to pay all the first year fees myself. This year totalled 7 grand. Im trapped. I cant even go abroad to work with no qualifications.

Ive spoken to my advisor and theres a once off assistance fund that Ive applied for but I think the limit on it is 400 euro.

CaraMay

I'm sorry op I don't understand how you got to this point and you now discovering that finances may be an issue? Did something chance in your circumstances?

IvoryTower

Will you qualify for btea next year? If so you could keep looking for work until then. Otherwise I wouldn't consider college an option until you've saved enough or find a part time job to support it.

gline

I know how you feel, Im a mature student myself (had an even longer stint on the dole than you) and it is hard financially, I cant even imagine without funding from btea/susi. If you are pretty sure you will get funding next year, do all you can to try see yourself through until then. Im sure it is easier to get employment while in college, because at least you are doing something. If you leave college, it might not make it any easier to get employment, and you may just end up unemployed again for an even longer period with no way of saving to get back to college, which looks bad on the cv and very bad mentally....ive been there. So if there is anyway to get money together, try that first. Also, is there an employment type office in the college you are in? They helps students with job hunting etc. Here in UCD there is a department that can help with applications and finding employment, if there is one in your college try them aswell. Sometimes they have jobs advertised that arent generally advertised everywhere. Keep the head up anyway as best you can.

LegacyUser

I was told I qualify for BTEA by my local office but refused when I applied. I got my tuition and contribution paid for me by susi but thats it as far as funding goes. I dont want to give up on college as I feel like its my only way out of this hole.

Meathlass

Crushed wrote: »

I was told I qualify for BTEA by my local office but refused when I applied. I got my tuition and contribution paid for me by susi but thats it as far as funding goes. I dont want to give up on college as I feel like its my only way out of this hole.

On what grounds were you refused? Can you appeal it?

IlmoNT4

If I was you, I would appeal it and write to my TD about whats happening and see if they can help you. (I've seen this work!)

Could you get a part time job to get you through til 2015? Is there anyone who can help you, family, friends etc?

Try speaking to a bank about a student loan.....Contact your tutor and talk to them about whats happening, same for the student union....If your college has any counselling, reach out to them. I would let everyone know how serious you are about college and that you are willing to do anything to stay there. I would explore everything before giving up college.

Finally stop using language like trapped and dream etc. You need to stay positive.

gline

Crushed wrote: »

I was told I qualify for BTEA by my local office but refused when I applied. I got my tuition and contribution paid for me by susi but thats it as far as funding goes. I dont want to give up on college as I feel like its my only way out of this hole.

are you eligable for the government free fees aswell? if youve never done a degree before or within 5 years,you should be.

Fluorescence

Can you get a bank loan? The likes of AIB do de specifically for students that you only begin to repay after your studies are complete... However it was quite rash for you to begin the course without considering all this in advance.

tenifan

Hi Op.
Are you being honest with yourself?

What exactly is your dream, and will a few years in college really help you to achieve it?

I don't know how any adult could rush into college with no money and no grant income.

Similarly, even if you left college and found a well-paid job, you'll still find it impossible to save enough money to pay for college AND to take 3-4 years out of work. And if you did save that much money, full-time education should be far from your mind. Professional or part-time courses will be the way to go.

There is more than one route to achieve your goals/dreams. Full-time college is one, but it's an expensive one, very time consuming, and you're not guaranteed anything at the end of it.

LegacyUser

I didnt sign up knowing Id no money coming in in any form. I was told by the social welfare that I had BTEA. I sent away my forms with the word of the local office that I had it there. I was in college when I was notified I didnt qualify for BTEA. Ive gone to TDs about it, theyve done squat.
My fees and student contribution have been paid by susi.
My problem is that I have no money to feed myself etc.
Im aware Im not guaranteed anything at the end, but Id argue my prospects with a degree are a lot better than they are without. Ive also looked into trying to do what I want to part time and its not an option in Ireland.

Ill look into the loan option thanks

buzzb123

Hi OP sorry to see you are in this situation.
It this course will lead you into a career you actually have an interest in I would try to stick it out.

You will need to fight your case with btea more.
If susi have paid your fees that's good in terms of financially.
In the mean time meat with a support officer in your college. You need to explain your circumstances and there are supports to help you with day to day costs.

Best of luck x

buzzb123

With regards to part time courses I found there was no courses I had a remote interest in part time too. You're doing the right thing to try to do something that you have an interest in