Time flies and it is hard to believe that Christmas is now over, and a new semester is on the horizon. But it is also a time where, for some, decisions need to be made. If you are not sure whether you are on the right course, make sure you know that you won’t be alone in that feeling. Knowing what to do is never easy, in fact there isn’t always a right or wrong option.

Coming to university might be the best thing you have done but there is also a chance that things aren’t right for you or now just isn’t the right time. Giving the situation some time is often good advice, to ensure that you aren’t making a rash decision in a time of adjustment. January comes around and feeling homesick can be common. Sometimes the course may be fine but there can be things going on away from your studies that is making things a little more difficult. In that circumstance interruption could be a better option than withdrawal.

There are plenty of things to consider when looking to interrupt studies or to withdraw from studies. Your maintenance loan as well as fee liability in regard to tuition fees are impacted which can make paying ongoing commitments difficult. It is important for us to highlight that Fee Liability rises from 25% to 50% for 2025/26 from January 13th.

Rent is another example that you need to consider. If you have signed a tenancy, an interruption or withdrawal won’t get you out of your payment responsibilities.

It can also impact future study as Student Finance only fund tuition fees for a certain number of years of study, it is not a never-ending supply.

These are all areas we can offer you more information on, so if withdrawal or interruption is something you are thinking about, please reach out to the SU Advice Team so that we can ensure that the decision you make is informed.