Withdrawn from course...am I about to be hounded for £7,000?

CrazyCatLady

I was training to be a teacher at a University. In February, I failed my first placement. I'd worked very hard, had just 2 days off due to sickness in 3 months but they felt it wasn't enough. I was advised it might be best if I don't continue. So I rang the halls office, e-mailed my programme leader and said I was leaving. On 22nd February I moved back in with my mum 120 miles away, assuming any paperwork needing to be filled in would be posted to me.

My programme leader sent me a link to a withdrawal form I had to fill in. I printed it off and it said it needed to be sent within a fortnight of stopping the course. Otherwise I would have to pay all fees for the whole year. But I was filling it in over a month later. And now halls of residence are suggesting I should have paid up until 31st March, when they received my withdrawal form, even though I told them I was moving out and handed in my keys at the time.

I also think the student loan company are going to chase me for some of my loan and grant paid to me in January.

So tuition fees for the rest of the year...£4,500
Hall fees minus deposit £ 500

Student loan company? £2,000

Am I going to be hounded for all of this over a piece of paper? I don't have any money, I'm unemployed and I've only just started claiming JSA. It was bad enough having to withdraw from the course without being chased for all of this.

Anyone able to advice? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Taiko

Probably.

Halls you'd have been in a contract with, probably until the end of the year. The fact they are allowing you to pay up to the 31st March only could actually save you money.

You will be chased for grant money from student loans, as they'll have to reassess you. Have you notified them? You're obligated to do so, so that's another letter you need to do.

Your best bet will be to negotiate payment plans with each. Be upfront with each party about your situation, and come to an agreement. The longer you leave things, the harder it'll be to negotiate.

CrazyCatLady

Thanks. I've let student loans know.

stephyt23

Sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. Unfortunately you will have to pay it back yes. You can try to sort out a repayment plan as you are currently only getting JSA.

I started my teaching degree at a university which I hated so left after 2 months into my second year. I then restarted at another uni. I still get letters about repaying my first year loans and the loans I had for the start of my second year. At the moment I don't pay anything back as I don't graduate until next year but had I not gone back into education I'd have been paying off what I owe already. I think the amount I owe is just over £7000 from one year and 2 months of study. This was before the tuition fee change a couple of years ago.

CharlieRabbit01

I work at a uni and this is a common mistake made by withdrawing student.

You will have to pay the fees.

However contact the student records department and explain your situation.

fridge_raider

I find it very surprising that they advised you to quit? What a great attitude! I'm assuming you also felt it wasn't working for you?

Are the halls university owned or privately , i.e. Unite or similar?

It's a disgrace that they didn't inform you of all this when advising you withdraw. The money you have from SLC, have you still got it or is it spent?