Immediate Financial Implications

Fees: If you have already paid your own fees, or part of them, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund, depending on the date that you withdraw. You will not have to refund the LEA for any funds paid on your behalf. However you may also be liable for fees that have not been paid fully to the University.

Student Loan: Once you have received a student loan you can keep it even if you subsequently leave your course. Repayments on any Loan you have received will normally start in the April after you either finish or leave your course. If you will be starting another course next year explain this to the Student Loan Company and ask them to i) Defer payments and ii) add your previous/current loan debt to what you borrow during your new course.

Benefits: Leaving your course cannot be construed by the Benefits Agency as a disqualification from, or constraint on claiming benefit. However leaving any part-time job that you may have could result in a benefit sanction. Seek advice first.

Bank overdraft/credit cards: You should explain your situation and future intentions to the bank (and or credit card company) and work out with them a plan for repayment if appropriate.

Rent: If you live in privately rented accommodation and intend to leave your current house remember that you may still have legal obligations to the landlord. If you can't find a replacement tenant you and your fellow tenants could have a problem. Consult the Students' Union Welfare Advisors. If you are in University accommodation you will probably be held liable for the full rent for the rest of the term (i.e. your billing period).

Council Tax: From the day you cease to be a full-time student living in a private house that was previously exempted because all the occupants were students you will attract CT to the property. This could create huge problems, both financial and personal, for you and your fellow-tenants. Consult the Students' Union Welfare Advisors and pick up our leaflet on Council Tax.

Remember to hand in: your library cards, university smartcards (for access to accommodation and car parking) and return all university library books or you could be held responsible for the cost of replacement of these items.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Don't rush into anything. Look at the options available to you and seek advice. BE SURE TO GET UP TO DATE ADVICE ON YOUR FUTURE FUNDING SITUATION.
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• If you are having personal difficulties let your Programme Leader know.
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• Try to identify the cause of your difficulty; don't be tempted to avoid the problem by transferring or withdrawing without careful consideration.
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• If you are sure about transferring, check that you have written confirmation from the new course (and if appropriate, the new Institution) before transfer can take place.
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• If you are considering transferring or withdrawing, talk to your Local Education Authority before you commit yourself.