There are lots of things to consider before interrupting. We recommend you read the guidance carefully and take the time to talk to your personal tutor and the Student Support and Wellbeing Services to make sure you fully understand the practical implications of taking a break from your studies.
If you're a considering interrupting, read our article How can I take a break from my course?
You can also refer to the Interruption of Study policy.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees will be charged from the start of the academic year up to the date on your ‘Change of Registration Status’ form, even if you have not been in attendance.
If you pay your fees with a loan from Student Finance England, the university will notify them of the change and re-invoice for the correct fee. If there are any problems please contact the Money & Housing Advice Team as soon as possible.
For more information, read our article How will interrupting impact my fees and funding?
Student Loans (Home and EU students)
Student Finance England generally provide one additional year of funding above the length of your course. If you decide to undertake a university degree in the future, in most cases you will lose one year's funding from the new course for every year (including partial years) you have previously studied.
If you undertake an NHS funded course you may get some or all of the funding on offer. We strongly encourage all students to speak to the Money & Housing Advice Team about these issues before formally withdrawing from the programme.
For more information, read our article How will interrupting impact my fees and funding?
Studying in the UK on a Student Visa
If you’re studying in the UK on a Student visa, you need to think very carefully before making changes to your registration status, as this will have implications on your immigration status.
- If you withdraw from your studies, then King’s College London is required to report this to UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). Your visa will then be cut short, and you’ll be required to leave the UK, or apply for further leave under another visa category. If you’re outside the UK, you won’t be able to return on your current (Student) visa.
- If you want to take a break from your studies, have a look at our article Will an interruption affect my Student visa status?
- If you defer your studies, the impact on your visa status will depend on the period of time that you won’t be required to engage with study, so you should check this with your department first. You should then contact our Visa & International Student Advice Team directly to discuss the visa implications.
Important to know: The immigration rules only allow you to study for a limited time on a student visa – see UKCISA for more information.
If you have any questions about the visa implications of your change in circumstances after reading the information above, you should arrange to talk to our Visa & International Student Advice Team before taking any action.
EU/EEA or Swiss students not on a Student visa
If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss student not on a Student visa, and you're looking to either take a break from your studies, transfer to another course or withdraw from your studies, please refer to our online module EU/EEA/Swiss students and Change of Circumstances.
Studying on another immigration permission
If you’re in the UK on another type of immigration permission, you should make sure you’re aware of any implications before proceeding. You may need to seek external specialist advice, or can contact the Visa & International Student Advice Team, who will refer you as appropriate.
Transferring to another institution
The rules around moving to a new institution are complicated and depend on what sort of visa you have. Students on a Tier 4 or Student visa need to first speak to Visa Compliance or the Visa & International Student Advice Team before being allowed to transfer internally or externally.
Living in university accommodation
If you decide to withdraw from your course or interrupt your studies, it's not possible to remain living in university residences, although you will be given a short time to find alternative accommodation.
You’ll need to speak to the Residences team about organising an early release from your contract. They will be able to advise further about moving out dates and how the early-release impacts on the rental charges. You can email Residences or call on 020 3660 2662.
You will be charged for the full amount of Residence fees for the time you have been in residence. This will be calculated according to the date agreed on by you and the Residence Manager. The appropriate form to submit can be obtained from the Residence Team or your Residence Manager.
You must complete this form in addition to the online ‘Changes to Registration Status’ form. If you are living in other residences you will need to check their policy locally.
Important to know: There are exceptions we can consider, such as if you estranged from your family. Please contact the Money & Housing Advice team to discuss your housing options during your break in this situation.
Living in private accommodation
If you live in private halls, or at a private rented property, then you should check your contract for terms and conditions. It may be that you are unable to break the lease early, even though you are interrupting from the course.
Please contact the Money & Housing Advice team if you need further advice and support with this.
Council Tax
Withdrawing
Once you formally withdraw from your programme you lose your student status and are required to pay Council Tax. If you live alone or if the rest of the household comprises of students you can apply for a 25% single person discount.
Interrupting
If you are interrupting you should maintain your student discount as you remain a student until the point where you complete the course, withdraw from it or are asked to leave. If your circumstances are different or if you have some concerns about Council Tax please contact the Money & Housing Advice Team.
For a better understanding of Council Tax and what it’s for, and who is exempt, please read What is Council Tax and am I exempt from paying it?
How is access to welfare benefits affected by my interruption?
While you are on an ‘interrupted’ status, you retain your full-time student status so generally, the rules around accessing welfare benefits continue to be restrictive.
It can be a complicated picture and seeking further advice from Money & Housing Advice team would be advisable, particularly if you are interrupting due to ill health or caring responsibilities.
Will I lose my Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?
Unfortunately if you’re on a break you’re not eligible for DSA, however, we advise getting in touch with the Disability Support & Inclusion Team; find out more in our article Funding support for disabled students.
What support, systems and services can I still access from King’s whilst interrupted?
Access to Libraries and other learning resources should remain available but may be restricted. We advise checking with your department for full details and how to keep in contact while you are on a break.
You can always get support from Student Services by accessing articles on Student Services Online or by logging a case with the Student Services Frontline team.
You will also be able to access Student Support & Wellbeing Services at King’s, which includes:
- Money & Housing and Visa & International advice
- Frontline Student Services for a wide range of support including documentation
- Careers & Employment
- Counselling & Mental Health Support
- The Disability Support & Inclusion team
- King’s NHS Health Centre
IT access
Your access should remain, including access to your King's email account. We recommend checking in on your account for any important updates that might affect you.
- If you’re unable to access your email account your password may have expired. If this happens, refer to Accessing your IT account at King's
- KEATS: You’ll still have access, but any modules will be removed from your record, so it’s likely you won’t see anything there.
Libraries & Collections: You should be able to get access to Libraries & Collections.
- If you’re unsure or find you can’t access something you’re looking for, you’re best to contact the Library team and they can check if there are any blocks on your library account.
If I’m interrupted, do I still have a personal tutor and can I contact them?
Yes; whether you’re interrupted while resitting or simply interrupted, you still have a personal tutor assigned to you, and you can still contact them for support related to your studies. To check who this is, read Who is my personal tutor?
Can I still contact academic staff in my department?
Yes, if you need support with your studies, you can approach appropriate academic staff members. This may especially helpful for you if you are resitting.
Local NHS care
If your care is currently being provided in London and you live elsewhere, we advise speaking to your care provider or GP to look at how you can ensure continuity of support whilst you are not resident in London.
This may include asking them to make a referral to NHS services in the location where you will be living whilst on interruption.
Will I lose my Student Oyster card?
You receive this discount because of your enrolment, so once you interrupt, you will eventually lose it. The university updates Transport for London (TfL) on interruptions at regular points throughout the year and this will prompt them to cancel your Student Oyster card. When you return to the course, you will have to reapply to TfL for this travel discount.