Dropping Out

canihave

May seem like an odd question but I’m in 1st and due to personal reasons have not managed this year well at all and know I will not successfully pass the year. I have paid my fees in full for the year (3000) am right in saying if I drop out now I would have to pay the remaining money already paid by HEA? Should I just continue, sit exams? Are there any consequences, financially to failing the exams. I have no intention of repeating the year, I want to change direction entirely.

Victor

I can't answer about costs.

Can I suggest you sit down and write down why you want to drop out. The positives, the negatives, the consequences. This could be a few paragraphs or a bullet point list. Discuss this with someone you trust - a friend, sibling, parent, etc. Then raise it with a lecturer that you have a good relationship with and then your course / department head.

canihave wrote: »

I have no intention of repeating the year, I want to change direction entirely.

Passing (at whatever level) your exams this year will likely help you get in whatever direction you want to go, even if that is working something menial.

Best of luck.

Ckendrick

If you try to re enter within 4 years you will be liable not only for the “contribution” (€3000) but full tuition too.

canihave

Would that be the case if I wanted to do an apprenticeship , not sure what the college fees are with that.

e.r

canihave wrote: »

Would that be the case if I wanted to do an apprenticeship , not sure what the college fees are with that.

99% of employers pay for college associated with apprenticeships. Also you get paid your rate, when in college for said apprenticeship.

gauchesnell

canihave wrote: »

May seem like an odd question but I’m in 1st and due to personal reasons have not managed this year well at all and know I will not successfully pass the year. I have paid my fees in full for the year (3000) am right in saying if I drop out now I would have to pay the remaining money already paid by HEA? Should I just continue, sit exams? Are there any consequences, financially to failing the exams. I have no intention of repeating the year, I want to change direction entirely.

Yes you will be liable for any fees reminaing for this academic year - not sure what you mean by paid by the HEA. If you do intend on returning to college having completed one year already (whether you passed or not) would have a financial implication if you return to first year of third level.

Could you use what you study now to gain entry into year 2 of a programme you are interested in - you would probably need to have completed the year.

Make use of all the resources of the college before you make your decision - careers/counselling etc. All services are still available to use. Depending on your personal reasons and if you feel you can discuss them this may help your financial situation but again you should discuss that with your college.

gauchesnell

canihave wrote: »

Would that be the case if I wanted to do an apprenticeship , not sure what the college fees are with that.

Nope - student contribution doesnt apply to apprenticeship. There is a tuition fee but as pointed out some employers pay for same. Apologies I cant remember how much it is.

Strazdas

gauchesnell wrote: »

Yes you will be liable for any fees reminaing for this academic year - not sure what you mean by paid by the HEA. If you do intend on returning to college having completed one year already (whether you passed or not) would have a financial implication if you return to first year of third level.

Could you use what you study now to gain entry into year 2 of a programme you are interested in - you would probably need to have completed the year.

Make use of all the resources of the college before you make your decision - careers/counselling etc. All services are still available to use. Depending on your personal reasons and if you feel you can discuss them this may help your financial situation but again you should discuss that with your college.

He / she should definitely talk to the careers people at TU Dublin before actually making a decision to drop out. This would be one of their specialities - dealing with students who are struggling badly and thinking of quitting their course. They see this all of the time and there's nothing unusual in it. Many first years struggle every year and feel totally overwhelmed.

gauchesnell

Strazdas wrote: »

He / she should definitely talk to the careers people at TU Dublin before actually making a decision to drop out. This would be one of their specialities - dealing with students who are struggling badly and thinking of quitting their course. They see this all of the time and there's nothing unusual in it. Many first years struggle every year and feel totally overwhelmed.

Absolutely they are great- TU Dublin runs apprenticeships aswell so get in contact with that them too.

Changing your mind at the end of first year is totally normal.