Temporary Leave
Sometimes it may be appropriate to take some extended time out of university. For example, if you are unwell, have challenging personal circumstances interrupting your ability to study, or if you are changing course and are required to take leave before starting your new programme. Sometimes this can also be required as part of a disciplinary process.
If you’re interested in taking temporary leave, you should fill in the Leavers Enquiry Form which will prompt your School’s Student Support Team to set up a meeting. This is not committing to going on leave but is the starting point for having a conversation about it. In addition, you can speak to your Personal Tutor or another staff member you trust and feel comfortable with, as well as LUU Advice, though it is only your Student Support Officer who can action the request. This conversation can help you to think about your reasons for taking temporary leave, and whether it is best for you at this time.
If you do decide to go ahead, your Student Support Team can go through the process with you.
Considerations
There are several things to think about when taking temporary leave such as:
- Academic implications
- Accommodation
- Council tax exemption
- Fees and funding
- Immigration and visas
- University services access
For example, temporary leavers don’t usually get any student funding and cannot usually stay in University accommodation.
You can read our advice on leaving university for more detail, or for more specific questions please contact us at advice@luu.ac.uk.
International Students
If you’re temporarily withdrawing from University, this might affect your immigration status – the University have to report any change of circumstances to UKVI. LUU Advice cannot give immigration advice, so please contact studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk if you need support.
Temporary leave may also impact things such as sponsorship, so contact your sponsor if you have any questions about this.