Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3 4

Original poster

To not tell uni I’m leaving but not attend

83 replies

Catsandmorecats · 07/12/2019 13:40

Hi. I’m at the end of term 1 at uni soon and will be ending my studies once exams are done this week (multiple reasons, not going into that) but I could really do with the maintenance loan. What would happen if I didn’t tell uni I was leaving and just still got the maintenance loan? But then just didn’t attend?

Or if I do tell them I’m leaving do I still pay the 9k for the full year even if I’ve only done half?

OP posts:

Onesnowballshort · 07/12/2019 14:45

I am really not passionate about any subject and feel like there’s no point in dedicating 3 full time years to something I hate doing
So your plan is to dedicate 6 years to something you hate doing instead?

viques · 07/12/2019 14:50

HI OP, I'm sorry you seem to have reached this decision without talking it over with anyone at your University first. You sound as though you are in a bit of a lonely place and have got somewhat overwhelmed by everything.

As others have said please contact someone, I would go through Student Services at the SU first if you don't feel up to contacting your tutors or the University admin. They are there to help you, your Union subs are paying for their expertise so don't feel shy about asking for their help.

As others have said, you do need to resolve this, neither your loan or your accommodation will apply if you are no longer a student. In addition, although university life hasn't worked out for you this time, there may be a point later in life when you are ready for the challenge, and the last thing you will need then is a question mark over your student finances/loans/debts.

Hope things work out for you, and that 2020 is the year when you are able to think through what you want to do a bit more purposefully.

Stegosaurus1990 · 07/12/2019 14:52

You’ll just have to pay pro rota. It’s in your interests to let them know. Using your maintenance loan will be a costly way to get credit as you’ll have to pay your tuition for that period too. Better to get a zero internet credit cards

MsJaneAusten · 07/12/2019 14:55

I doubt it’s your personal tutor you need to speak to first. They will know about your course. They won’t know about finances etc. You need to contact student services, or the finance department.

Stegosaurus1990 · 07/12/2019 15:00

Ps I did this, but after only a week. I decided the course wasn’t for me and studied something else. I’m in a good profession, and was the right choice for me.

AJGranny · 07/12/2019 15:11

Yes, I'd suggest carrying on in the manner described by @TheRightHonerable. If you still want to leave after end of first year you'll have credits to transfer to another course, without your current predicament of running up fees and losing accommodation. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Elieza · 07/12/2019 15:29

How will you pay for open uni? Last I looked it cost an absolute bomb. Sounds to me like you will in reality chuck in studying and stay in the job. That’s fine if that’s what you want. Don’t give up without exploring every avenue. So far we know you hate the course. What other issues are preventing you from going. Perhaps the MN hive mind can come up with suggestions that would help you overcome the problems you are facing?

Original poster

Catsandmorecats · 08/12/2019 01:33

Thanks for the responses everyone

Basically reason I want to leave is really stupid which is why I haven’t said. I moved to Scotland from England and study law. I literally didn’t realise until 2 weeks in that it’s Scottish law and doesn’t apply to England. I know that’s dumb of me but anyway. I’m really homesick and want to move back to my hometown so a) I don’t want to be here now and b) I don’t want to be here in the future so a degree only applicable to Scotland (unless I add in another year and another expense of a conversion course) seems stupid

OP posts:

Original poster

Catsandmorecats · 08/12/2019 01:34

Couple other reasons that are medical and I don’t really want to get into cause this isn’t a sob story. I just feel very stuck

OP posts:

Laserbird16 · 08/12/2019 01:42

Talk to your university. There is lots of help and you can always take a break and return later or transfer credit to another course/institution. Don't do what you are suggesting as it is fraud and you'll be getting yourself in a massive financial hole. Universities have students take breaks, change course, exit with grad dips all the time any of these options is better

Rainwilds · 08/12/2019 02:15

Why don’t you keep attending uni until after your maintenance loan comes through and then quit?

Spartak · 08/12/2019 02:48

Have you checked with the uni that they don't have a course that would give a qualification that could be used in England? Dundee and Glasgow unis both have this option.

AlexaAmbidextra · 08/12/2019 03:02

Why don’t you keep attending uni until after your maintenance loan comes through and then quit?

Er, because she’ll still have to pay it back? 🙄

nestisflown · 08/12/2019 03:14

Does the SQE affect your position OP? It's worth checking with the SRA whether you will still need to do the GDL with a Scottish Law degree given the SQE exams will be rolled out before you've finished your degree: www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/law-sector/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe

Scottish Law is so similar to English and Welsh law that I'm sure it would be helpful for passing the new super exams.

Also worth contacting the open university or another English uni to see if you can transfer to their course without having to repeat year 1. They might be able to jig the modules for you to ensure you do the 7 core qualifying modules in year 2 and 3 (rather than doing some in year 1).

sashh · 08/12/2019 04:04

You need to find different accommodation, the reason your lease says it must be a student is for council tax, If non students live there the student exemption is gone.

As PP said it is fraud to get your loan when you are no longer a student.

I agree with others about transferring uni, I did this and one other option is to change to part time, if you continue with 50% of your course you could receive a partial loan, still work and leave at the end of the academic year which is, when? May?

Alrighteo · 08/12/2019 04:20

If you want to move home, why are you bothered about the student accommodation? Do you want the loan to cover your rent on a vacant room, and then you move home and work?

Mummyoflittledragon · 08/12/2019 05:11

I really think you should discuss this all with the university before just dropping out. You have time to make an informed decision. Don’t compound your first error by making another.

BFPhopeful2019 · 08/12/2019 06:35

Just a quick note re: law and open university part time.

If you plan to continue to do law through OU; a law degree HAS to be finished within 5 years to be a qualifying law degree. The 6 year, part time OU degree doesn’t do this and you might end up having to do the GDL in any event if you want to practice.

Go speak with Uni; ask if you could transfer to another Uni (closer to home if you are feeling homesick).

SheOfManyNames · 08/12/2019 07:08

Why bother with the exams if you're not going to return? Just leave if you can.
Claiming the loan is wrong and you will have to repay it. Speak to student services for advice.

SheilaBruce · 08/12/2019 07:46

Surely you'll have to pay for the semester and then have 4 or so FAIL marks on your record?

Stegosaurus1990 · 08/12/2019 07:48

OP you’re not stuck at all. I did this and coincidentally I am a solicitor, I didn’t want to say and be outing.

People do it, it’s fine. Talk to your uni. I think you need to forget having your maintenance loan, if you’re moving home you don’t need it.

Re accommodation plenty do what you have done and continue to live there until the end of the term and work. Lease stays student only because that’s who the accommodation is geared for and that will be the planning consent. Can you find anyone to take your spot? Advertise on student FB or internal groups?

Stegosaurus1990 · 08/12/2019 07:48

For a new degree you’ll have no “record” there’s such a lot of bollocks on this thread. It’s a uni not an open prison.

Doveyouknow · 08/12/2019 08:07

As someone mentioned up thread, you are unlikely to be able to stay in your student accommodation if you are no longer a student. This is because you will lose your council tax exemption.

UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea · 08/12/2019 08:16

OP please talk to your tutors. You may be able to transfer to a different course or a different uni without too much disruption.

Also consider sticking it out. A good break over Christmas may improve your outlook. Scottish winters can be brutal for the uninitiated and that could be affecting your mood.

There are options open but be a grown up and get help from student services. That's what they are there for.

Good luck.

Beveren · 08/12/2019 08:25

Why would you have to pay two rents if you have to leave the student accommodation?

Flip

1 2 3 4