Your situation is not unique, as many first year university students can gradually lose interest in their studies until completing the first year appears unachievable. At the undergraduate level, successful navigation through a degree hinges on a student’s active engagement and real enthusiasm. University is not like secondary school where progress is constantly monitored. Self-motivation is the key to attending daily classes and consistently interfacing with the coursework.
The website Qualifax.ie catalogues all higher and further education courses available, including relevant details for each programme. It is unwise to choose a course without ensuring it’s something you are willing to invest three to four years in.
What can your son do now? As a registered student, until 22nd July, he has the opportunity to reengage with the CAO application process to select a different course. However, be mindful of the financial implications. If he selects a new course, either he or you, as his parents, would be expected to cover the full first year expenses for the new programme, as the government only funds one year per degree level.
The CAO points he earned in 2023 remain applicable. If his previous college experience has been sobering, he could take a gap year to pursue a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course in an area he enjoys. These courses are listed on Qualifax and can be accessed via your local Education Training Board (ETB). These courses are extremely affordable, and in many cases, free. After completing the PLC course, he can reapply to the CAO the next year, using both his further education achievement and the originally earned CAO points.
An alternate path your son might consider is the ‘earn while you learn’ model provided by one of the 60 plus apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.ie. They offer programmes in nearly every economic sector and frequently lead to degree-level qualifications. Another benefit is the apprentices are paid during their training.
I highly recommend that neither you nor your son should hastily make any choices. It’s crucial for him to contemplate what he has learned throughout the year and identify his true passions. The website Careersportal.ie offers a tool that may assist him in identifying his interests, which could be beneficial in his journey of self-discovery.