Everyone starts college with the best of intentions. They are going to work hard at their course, pass through the four years without a problem and start a career in the field in which they studied.

However, a report published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) earlier this year showed that one in six third-level students drop out of their college course during the first year so, unfortunately for some, this is not going to be the case. If you have chosen a course that is unsuitable for you, within weeks it will become apparent and continuing in this course will be unlikely.

For those who have decided to drop out of college or are currently toying with the idea, there are a number of factors to consider. On the practical side, the timeliest thing to note is that most colleges have a date in October by which you will get some or all of your student contribution charge back if you drop out. Most people pay the €3,000 contribution fee in two halves: €1,500 at the start of semester one and €1,500 at the start of semester two. Many colleges will refund you the whole €1,500 if you drop out correctly before a set date.

It is a common misconception that for all colleges this date is 31 October. This is not the case. For many universities and colleges 31 October is indeed the date, but it is imperative to note that the fee refund date is individual to each third-level institute. To give readers a snapshot of the fee refund date in different places, Irish Country Living compiled a list of the relevant information for some colleges (see box).

For example, at University College Dublin (UCD) students who officially withdraw from their course and return their student card between 20 October 2017 and 31 January 2018 are liable to pay half the €3,000 student contribution charge.

The UCD website states: “Further half of the tuition fee will be claimed on the student’s behalf from the HEA. A student will then be liable to pay half the tuition fee for the equivalent period of attendance if she or he registers within the next five years in any Irish third-level institution.”

Vice-president for academic affairs at the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Oisín Hassan highlights the importance of checking out the fee refund date particular to the college you attend and also getting advice from your third-level institute on your individual situation, so you can assess all options that are available to you.

Going back after dropping out

In relation to returning to third-level in subsequent years, after having dropped out, the USI officer really stresses the need for students to investigate the implications in relation to fee structures for themselves, as it is dependent on each individual’s situation as Oisín explains: “There is a big student population out there and they all have different experiences of this, so that is why from our perspective going and seeking advice early on and having a discussion about their own individual case is so important.

“At this stage of the year, students will have started in their course and they will know what the costs are involved with regard to fees. The big concern at the moment is that they don’t seek the right advice when they consider dropping out, because we know so many students do drop out.”

Acknowledging that it is extremely difficult, Oisín advises that students considering dropping out discuss it with their family and friends, as well as the support services on campus.

“It is often just a small concern sometimes that will escalate, and there could be a feeling of isolation. Many students are obviously struggling financially at the moment, so that can be one of the biggest drivers in dropping out.

“This is why it is so key to start talking at an early stage, because you don’t want financial repercussions from not getting the right advice or isolating yourself.”

Often times students figure out very early in the college year that the course they are doing is not for them, they stop attending classes and effectively put their head in the sand about the whole situation.

Instead, students should seek help from the appropriate support services at their college and, having decided that dropping out is the best course of action for them, they should always follow the correct unenrolment procedures at their third-level institute. To get the student contribution charge refunded, students need to unenrol correctly, information on this can be obtained from the college’s administration office.

Biggest fears

Andrée Harpur, an independent careers consultant based in Dublin, says that dropping out of college is a very hard thing to do and one of the biggest fears students have is telling their parents. She advises that if students are sure they are on the wrong path they should change course, but all factors need to be taken into consideration.

“I have people who have said: ‘Oh well, I have done first year, so I might as well go into second year and see how it is. I have done second year, sure, I’ll do third year. I might as well go on and do fourth year. I have my degree now, I might as well work for a year or two.’ The next thing is they meet Mr or Mrs Right and think they cannot change now because they are saving for a house and they are in to me then at 50. Bite the bullet while you can.”

“Now, before you actually take this jump, I have had clients who were really thinking of ditching the whole lot, throwing it all in and jumping out of the course, but when we actually did an in-depth assessment, we found that the course actually did suit them and did bring them to where they wanted to go – but we had to make some internal tweaks. Once these were done they were fine.”

The careers consultant also outlines the need for students to make a plan of what they are going to pursue once they have decided to drop out and explains that it is a good idea for students to get career guidance, whether it be in their college or otherwise.

Dropping out of third level is a decision no one takes lightly. Make sure you seek help from your college’s support services and have all the relevant information to hand before you make your decision. CL