Taking time out of your course

You may feel you need to take time out because of physical or mental health problems, pregnancy or childcare responsibilities, for personal reasons or due to financial difficulties. Obviously it’s very  important to discuss problems with University staff before coming to any decisions.

• If you do take a year or so out of your course, this is called “suspending” your study.  If you need to suspend your studies you can also suspend your funding from your Student Finance organisation and remain entitled to Student Support when you resume your course. You should ask for your funding to be “suspended” until you return (your Student Finance body may request a letter from your University confirming the suspension).
• If you suspend your studies you will still be considered to be a full-time student for welfare benefits unless you fall into one of the categories of students who can claim, for example, a lone parent. Otherwise, only if you abandon or are dismissed  from  your course, will you no longer be considered a student for benefit purposes. Then, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim benefits such as:  Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, under the standard benefit rules. See the related link to Benefits and Tax Credits. 
• Your entitlement to Tax Credits does not depend upon your student status. Whether you receive any Tax Credits depends upon your personal circumstances.  For more information on Tax Credits see the related link to Benefits and Tax Credits. 
• If you’re pregnant and take time out you won’t normally be entitled to any benefits until the baby is born. If you’ve been working, however, you may be entitled to claim Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. It is wise to take professional advice if you are in this situation so that you don't miss out on anything to which you may be entitled. 
• During the time your studies are 'suspended' you should still be entitled to your council tax student exemption but this can be very difficult area. Seek advice if your local council does not accept that you are still a 'student'.
• If you withdraw from your course you’ll need to inform your Student Finance organisation and the Student Loans Company (SLC). You may be asked to repay any maintenance grant/bursary overpayments (payments covering the period of the course after you withdraw). If  you begin working and are earning over £15,000 you’ll also need to start repaying your student loans.
• If you decide to transfer to another course you should seek advice from your University and your Student Finance body before you make any decision as the Student Support regulations regarding course transfers are complicated.