How can I take a break from my course?

Things in life don’t always go according to plan. We hope that your time at King’s College London will be an enjoyable experience and on the whole, stress-free.

However, we recognise that everyone goes through difficulties at certain times in their lives, and a break from study may be appropriate.

If you're struggling to engage with the course due to ill health, personal, financial or other reasons, your department may allow you to take a break from your studies. We call this an ‘interruption’. This means that you can return to your course at an appropriate point once you've had time to deal with your problems.

Important to know: You can apply for an interruption at any point in your studies, but there are certain situations where it may be more fitting to apply for mitigating circumstances rather than an interruption. Discuss your options with your department or faculty first.

Things to consider before interrupting

If you live in a hall of residence, it is unlikely that you will be allowed to remain there, continue to receive student funding, but there may be flexibility depending on your personal circumstances and the reasons for interruption. You should, however, remain in contact with your department and you can access the university Student Services.

For more details of things to think about, please refer to:

I’m an undergraduate thinking of interrupting my studies: what do I need to consider?
I’m a postgraduate thinking of interrupting my studies: what do I need to consider?

You may also find our guidance in I'm not sure if I should leave my course or just take a break helpful for support options.

Process for interrupting

In the first instance, we advise that you speak to someone in your department, ideally your personal tutor or supervisor about your concerns and worries, and ascertain how long a break you need and when would be a good time to return to your studies.

There can be practical considerations, especially for students attending clinical placements, which will need to be factored into a suitable return date.

Step 1: Contact your personal tutor or supervisor to discuss your situation.

Step 2: Read either I’m an undergraduate thinking of interrupting my studies: what do I need to consider? or I’m a postgraduate thinking of interrupting my studies: what do I need to consider?

Step 3: We recommend that all students considering a break from studies speak to Advice Services to talk through the practicalities of taking a break; this can include your funding, accommodation arrangements and immigration status.

Step 4: To process your request online form in your student record; select 'Initiate Change of Circumstances'.

Important to know: If you are on a Student visa, you are required to speak with an International & Visa Adviser before your interruption can be finalised as there are significant implications for your student visa and return to study.

What happens next?

If you have read the articles related to this one and you are not concerned by anything you have read, then you don’t have to do anything further. Your department will be asked to finalise your request. Once everything is completed, you will be sent an email your King’s email address, confirming that your record has been updated.

They will also advise you on the final tuition fee charge and ensure your funding body learns of your decision to interrupt. We recommend that you also contact your funding body to update them on your decision to interrupt.

Important to know:

When you complete your Change of Registration Form via Student Records you will be asked if you have already consulted Advice Services. Tick ‘yes’ if you have received advice or are satisfied that the information in our related articles have answered all your questions. Tick ‘no’ if you have not spoken to us yet but would like to.
If you are interrupting on health or financial grounds Change of Circumstances form may be referred to Advice Services for approval and recommendations before processing your application with your department. This is to make sure that you have been fully advised on any consequences, which may affect you now or in the future.
As outline in Step 3 above, we advise all students considering an interruption to contact Advice Services to discuss your situation fully. Your adviser will confirm that you have received the appropriate advice on the change of registration form and return it to your Record Centre.
If you have any questions on the university’s policies on data protection, you should refer to the Student Data Collection Notice and Privacy Statement.

Have concerns about interrupting but already submitted your request?

If you have already submitted a request to interrupt, it is probably best to contact your department or your Record Centre so they can delay finalising your change of registration and give you time to speak to someone.

To log your request, follow the link to submit an enquiry: Student Records.

If you require advice and guidance about the circumstances surrounding your interruption, any of the issues raised above or would just like to review your options please contact Advice Services.

We also recommend reading through the relevant article for you for guidance on implications to consider when taking an interruption of studies:

I’m an undergraduate thinking of interrupting my studies: what do I need to consider?
I’m a postgraduate thinking of interrupting my studies: what do I need to consider?

Keywords: break stop interrupt interruption struggling study stress difficulties

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