what course?:
fashion promotion and imaging
where?:
the university for the creative arts (the epsom campus)
why did i choose uca originally?:
• i loved the diversity of the course as i was so excited about learning and exploring the industry that i thought it was perfect.
• it's also a £6.55 train fare away (including underground ticket!) from london, instead of the
£50 fare from home to london.
• and lastly, i loved the vibe, on the open day it felt so creative and homely.
why did i leave?:
• i was hardly in, for someone that loves working hard and finishing things i felt like i rarely did anything (whilst this isn't saying we didn't get set any work!). we had two scheduled days off and on the other days i was timetabled to do something i would be in for 2 hours tops. this wouldn't have bothered me at all if we weren't told on the open day and even on the time tables we were given it said we'd be in 10am-4pm. i know friends that are hardly in as well but, it would have been nice to have had a more realistic timetable in the beginning - plus they aren't somewhere as quiet as epsom.
• this leads me on nicely to the fact that it just wasn't worth the money. now clearly there are very few courses (if any!) that are worth £9,000 a year but i just felt like this barely came close to the figure.
• i had an unbelievable amount of free time and went home almost every thursday. which doesn't sound like too much i guess but, home was 2 1/2-3 hours away and a £30+ journey away every time.
• which add ups and leads on to the point where i had a little bit of an awakening- the day i hit £0.00. i had spend a lot (and i mean a lot) of money keeping myself occupied and knew i couldn't go on spending so much just so i wasn't bored in my room for weeks on end.
• going back to the point where i said i was only in 2 hours tops, i also felt really uninterested by the lecture sessions. however, i don't for a second think i choose the wrong course because i was so excited about learning. i found sitting for two hours listening to someone talk about their life or watching a film really quite boring. especially when we were close to deadlines and were told to attend film viewings i thought it was a little bit silly and like they were trying fill in time.
• another factor was my facebook news feed - it was full of my friends enjoying themselves at university and it made me realised how much i wasn't enjoying it. uni should be an experience, not just a degree at the end of 3 years and a debt. i especially think this relates with creative courses because it's the work experience and contacts that gets you places in the industry.
• as well as all of this home just made a lot more sense. i mean there is a good university here, i'm closer to my family, my friends and alex, plus i'd have my car back.
how do i feel about leaving?:
• honestly i feel like a failure, university is something i've been working towards for so many years and it's just not worked out. i've wasted a lot of my own and my families money and time and there really isn't much i can do about it.
• but, i am also happy that i am happy and back at home. it made me a very grumpy bunny and as soon as i stepped off the train and on the epsom platform my stomach just sank and i felt like crying. so for now, home is good (central london would be better, but home is good).
• i do feel like i've leant a lot about myself i have to say (without sounding like a cliché!) and i've cemented how i want to learn and explore the industry of advertising, marketing and fashion.
what is next?:
• well firstly, i'm working on getting a job as this was something i missed so much - and something i am in desperate need in!
• i'm also working on some really interesting work experience/shadowing with a marketing agency at home that i'm really excited about.
in the future?:
• living at home and going to the university of gloucestershire - which ironically was the first plan before uca. i'll be starting in september as a year one student as i have got two unconditional offers and i'm a very happy bunny.
• once i have a job (and saved a lot!) alex and i have made tiny weeny plans to move in together.
please note: i'm not trying to troll on the university as i'm sure many people enjoy it there, but personally it was a disappointment - as i think university in general is too! a lot of people asked for a post about this topic so i thought i would write one. i would also love to hear your experiences with university as well!
lots of love,
lily
You definitely made the right choice Lily! I hope UoG works out for you. Uni fees are so crazy these days, I'd love to start a course now but at my age (and with previous student debt from the first time around) I just can't afford it. You're so talented and you're definitely going places, you're just taking a slightly different route. <3
ReplyDeleteTara xo
don't feel like a failure for leaving! that was a mistake that i made when i first dropped out, i felt like i didn't understand why i didn't like the school but everyone else gushed about how wonderful it was. each person is different and you really can't compare yourself to anyone else, as tempting as it is. good luck finding a job and on your shadowing possibility, and i hope all works out for you xx
ReplyDeleteLittle Blue Backpack
It was a brave decision to leave, and a brave decision to post this! When I first started in September I felt the same because I felt so alone, but I persevered and have grown to love my course after making some amazing friends. To be perfectly honest, I probably would have dropped out in a heartbeat if my parents had been okay with it but I knew how much time, money and emotions they had invested in me going. It's a bit of a different situation for me being Scottish as my tuition fees are all paid for so it's not something I need to worry about right now. In the end I'm glad I stuck with it because it's an amazing opportunity and I'm just grateful I can do it while it's paid for. Nothing ever suits everyone though and I admire you for having the guts to do something about it. I hope UoG works out for you and best of luck for everything else xxx
ReplyDeleteCharlotte / coloursandcarousels
I'm the same age as you and didn't even try uni - I worked incredibly hard to secure GCSEs and in particular 3 good A Levels but was lucky enough to bag a competitive Social Media and Digital Marketing apprenticeship. I'm happy, learning and gaining experience - uni is definitely not the only route, whether you choose to delay it or not go at all! I admire your bravery and honesty, I know it takes a lot to go against the grain in this area and not feel like you're a disappointment :-)
ReplyDeleteI feel so guilty for telling you how great UCA was... but I guess different courses bring different experiences and although it was the right thing for me, it wasn't for you. I am so proud of you for following your heart and gut and leaving. It takes a lot of courage to do that and I am so happy you are now happy. You should definitely not feel like a failure because you're not. Different Unis and courses suit different people and this one just wasn't for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are an extremely talented and beautiful girl and you will go so so far whatever you decide to do. That is something I have always known, from the first time we exchanged words to this day.
I love you so much and wish you all the best at home with Alex && hey it gives me an excuse to come stay with you again!
💕
You're definitely not a failure! I had to leave university due to illness and I felt like my life had fallen apart. Look at it as a life experience, it'll make you so much more appreciative of what you have at home and what you've got to come :)
ReplyDelete