INTERMITTING OR WITHDRAWING FROM YOUR COURSE:  

Here is some information for you to think about if you are in the process of trying to decide if you should intermit/withdraw from your course as well as some information about the procedures to follow if you do decide that you want to intermit/withdraw.

However, we would advise that you also talk to your Personal Tutor and/or a Student Adviser at the Student Union Student Advice Centre and/or the University Student Guidance Officer as they may be able to help you resolve the problems you are currently experiencing so that you do not either have to intermit or withdraw.

• Intermitting: Some students wish to take a break from their studies because of illness, financial or personal reasons. If this is done with the agreement of the University it is known as intermitting, or intercalating, and the student will be able to resume their studies at a later date.
• Withdrawing: other students wish to withdraw from their course altogether in order to pursue other career options or enrol on another course at a later date. This is known as withdrawing. 

Will I still receive a student loan/tuition fee loan if I return to study after a period of intermission or withdrawal?

The rules can be complicated and we would therefore strongly suggest that you speak to a Student Adviser in the Students' Union Student Advice Centre regarding this BEFORE you decide whether to intermit or withdraw.

Will I owe any tuition fees?

Before you decide to intermit or withdraw, please contact the Student Advice Centre for further information regarding this.

Should I inform Student Finance England or my Local Education Authority that I am intermitting/withdrawing?

If a student decides to intermit or withdraw, the University will write to SFE or LEA informing them of their decision. Students who are intermitting, should contact SFE (Post Sept 2009 starters) or their LEA (Pre Sept 2009 starters) and ask them to suspend their Student Support on the understanding that they wish to return to full time education after their break. Students are also advised to get any agreements with SFE/LEA in writing.

If intermitting because of illness SFE/LEA has some discretion to continue payment of Student Support (i.e. loan and extra allowances if applicable) beyond the first 60 days (for which payment is allowed). SFE/LEA can also choose to continue paying Student Support if students intermit for reasons other than illness e.g. Pregnancy, caring responsibilities, financial problems, bereavement, or premature termination of a work placement. A case should be put to SFE/LEA, including evidence of any inability to claim benefits if applicable.

Will I have to begin repaying my Student Loan?

If you already have a Student Loan, you are not required to make any repayments during your period of intermission. However, if you decide to withdraw after your period of intermission, then you will be required to begin repaying your student loan the following April after you have withdrawn (but only if you are earning above £16,000).

Will I be able to claim Welfare benefits?

Students who withdraw will no longer have student status and may be able to claim Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support. They may also qualify for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (see below).At the present moment students who intermit are not entitled to Welfare Benefits unless in one of the exempted categories (e.g. single parents, disabled students, pensioners, student couples with children etc.).

If you intermit because of illness, and submit sick notes for 28 weeks, you will become entitled to Income Support and/or Housing Benefit at that date. In addition full-time students who are absent from their course because of illness or caring responsibilities will be able to claim Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) and Housing/Council Tax Benefit from the point at which the reasons for their absence cease.

That is the student recovers from illness, or their caring duties end, until the day before they rejoin their course or the start of the next academic year, whichever is earlier. (You will need to consult an Adviser in this case.) Pregnant students should consult an Adviser as they may qualify for benefits in certain circumstances.

Will I have to pay Council Tax?

Intermitting students are not exempt from paying council tax as such, but they are regarded as ‘invisible’ at the point of assessment for council tax purposes. Click here for more about Council Tax. Students who withdraw will lose their student status. They will need to check with their Local Authority whether they have to pay Council Tax or are eligible for Council Tax Benefit.

If I am employed, will I have to pay any Income Tax?

If you are in paid employment whilst studying, whether you are liable to pay income tax dependis upon the amount earned. If you work during your period of intermission it may be possible to claim a tax rebate when you return to university. This is dependent on a number of different factors and you will need to consult the Inland Revenue.

Will I still have to pay for my Accomodation?

Students in halls of residence who intermit or withdraw will only pay for the time they are resident. Students who wish to be released from their contract will need to contact the Accommodation Office writing regarding this. Students who rent a house from a private landlord may find that their tenancy agreement states that they will remain liable for any rent up until the end of the contract. Students in this position should consult an Adviser to clarify their legal position.

If I decide that I want to intermit or withdraw, what do I need to do?

If you do decide to withdraw or intermit you will need to complete the appropriate withdrawal/intermission form. This is available from your Faculty Office. In order to have your withdrawal/intermission authorised by the university, you will need to see an academic member of staff from within your Faculty in order to make them aware of your decision and to ask them to sign the appropriate section of the form. You will also need to see the Student Guidance Officer at the Information Centre in Stoke or Stafford (see contact details).

Although not compulsory for part-time students and students based at SULC or SURF Colleges. This will provide you with an opportunity to explore your options fully and to see if the University can provide any further support now or in the future. Students are also asked to complete an exit questionnaire in order for the University to gather information on the factors leading to a student’s decision to withdraw.

The Student Guidance Officer will also sign the appropriate section of the withdrawal/intermission form. Each faculty has their own Faculty Student Guidance Advisor who is able to help- Nursing and Midwifery students would benefit from talking to their Faculty Student Guidance Advisor before the Student Guidance Officer, as guidance for these courses differs.

Please click here for our downloadable flowchart. 

Where can I go for further help and support?

• Student Guidance Officer - The Student Guidance Officer can provide guidance on a wide range of matters including University procedures for intermitting, transferring or withdrawing. Students who decide to withdraw will be asked to attend an exit interview with the Student Guidance Officer. This is voluntary and the information gained is used to improve university provision, and practice, for future students.
• Students Union Student Advice Centre - A Student Adviser can also advise you about intermitting and withdrawing.