Thinking about taking a year out?
Taking a year out before university can have huge benefits, it could give you the chance to see the world, earn some money or just have a year off! If you’re looking to defer your university place, here are answers to questions you may have.
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Deferred entry means you apply for a university course, but take a year out before you start. For example, you could apply in January 2023 to start in September 2024. You can only defer your entry for one year.
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It’s really up to you. Benefits of deferred entry include:
You can relax knowing that everything is taken care of and your place is guaranteed at the end of your gap year.
If you’re currently at school, you’ll have access to help and advice from your teachers or career advisors when writing your personal statement, and filling in your UCAS form etc. Plus, most schools and colleges will be able to submit your application for you, so you don’t have to manage it all independently.
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It depends on where you are in the process:
While you’re completing your UCAS application, you need to pick the deferred entry start date when adding your choice. We suggest adding your reason for deferring to your personal statement too, as this will help us understand your drives.
If you’ve already got a confirmed place contact our Admissions Enquiries Team as soon as possible with your name, UCAS number, course name, course code, and reasons for your requested deferral, and we’ll consider your request. Make sure you’re certain of your decision as you might not be able to revert back to your original year of entry.
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I deferred my place, but I’ve changed my mind…
If you deferred you place, but now wish to start this coming September instead, simply contact our Admissions Enquiries Team as soon as possible with your name, UCAS number, course name, course code, and reasons for your requested un-deferral. If we have places we’ll make the switch and see you earlier than planned!
I’ve changed my mind and don’t want my deferred place, what do I do?
If you change your mind about coming to university, contact our Admissions Enquiries Team as soon as possible so we can offer your place to another student. By accepting your deferred place with us, you’ve entered into a contract with the university, so it’s really important that you let us know if your circumstances change and you no longer wish to study with us.
Don’t be a stranger! If it’s been a while since you visited the university why not book yourself on an Open Day, a Campus Visits, or take a virtual tour to you familiarise yourself with the university before you start and see what’s been going on.
Confirmed your deferred place?
What to do next…
Firstly, enjoy your time out! You’ve got plenty of time to get yourself sorted before you start university life with us, but don’t leave it all to the last minute. Start thinking about these key things you’ll need to arrange before you join us:
- Booking your accommodation – whether you’d prefer halls or private rented accommodation, it’s time to think about getting it organised. Take a look at our accommodation options to see what’s right for you.
- Applying for student finance – which you can do here. We don’t process student finance applications, but our Money Advice Team are on hand to help with any finance queries you might have including:
- Balancing your budgets – from the cost of living, applying for funding to managing your monthly budgets.
- Bursaries and Awards – to help you find out what could be available to assist you during your studies.
- Scholarships – we have a number of scholarships for care leavers, sports students and music students, we also offer an Academic Merit Scholarship to reward students who achieve academic excellence with £1,200. (Terms apply to all scholarships).
- Registering with a GP – it’s important to have access to a doctors surgery when you need one! We have the Underwood Doctors Surgery on Park Campus, but you can register with any in the county.
- Accessibility – is the university aware of any special requirements that you may need in place before you start?
- Insurance – have you thought about getting your things insured? Especially those high-ticket items like laptops, cameras, and bikes.
- TV licence – do you need one? Remember, you need a TV licence if you watch or record any live TV online, or if you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer (including live, catch up or on demand)