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Break in Studies

Taking a break in your studies can also be called ‘intercalation’ or ‘interrupting your studies’. This is an authorised break from your studies for a significant period.

Short periods of absence (illness, for example) should be reported via the Online Absence Reporting System (OARS) on e:Vision.

Students are encouraged to speak with their Advisor before submitting a request to interrupt.

The main reasons you may want or need to interrupt are:

  • Ill health
  • Family or personal issues
  • Pregnancy/childbirth
  • Financial difficulties
  • To re-sit assessments

Submitting your request

Read the information below carefully. You should also review UEA's guidance on Interrupting Your Study Or Withdrawal.

When you are ready to submit your request, this can be done through an Exceptional Circumstances request on eVision. You can find more information and guidance about this process under 'I want to pause my course or repeat the year' on the Exceptional Circumstances myUEA page. 

What should I think about before deciding to interrupt?

Financial Matters

Student Finance

You will not usually be entitled to receive Student Finance while you are interrupting. If you have already received a loan instalment covering your period of interruption, you might also be required to pay this back.

In exceptional circumstances, discretionary funding may be offered during a period of interruption.

Most interrupting students either work to support themselves, rely on family support, or a combination of the two.

If you are planning to interrupt and repeat a year, check whether you will be eligible for Student Finance for the repeat year. In most cases, students are entitled to funding for the length of their course plus an additional gift year. If you have studied at University level elsewhere, even for a very short amount of time, you will likely find that you have already used your gift year.

Tuition Fees

You will usually not be liable for any tuition fees if you interrupt (or withdraw from your course) within the first three weeks of your course.

If you withdraw after that date, or begin a period of interruption after that date, you will be charged tuition fees pro rata.

Bursaries and Scholarships

If you receive a bursary or scholarship, you should check with your funding body/sponsor as to how your funding may be affected.

Benefits

Most students are not entitled to benefits during periods of interruption but if you have a disability and receive DLA or PIP, or have young children, the situation may be different.

If you have interrupted for health reasons and you recover, you may be able to claim Universal Credit/Jobseeker’s Allowance until you are able to return to study.

To discuss any funding implications in more detail, please contact Student Life Finance by emailing studentlife.finance@uea.ac.uk.

Housing issues

University Accommodation

If you are living in university accommodation, you will be required to vacate your room. You must also complete a Termination of Licence Request form (available from the UEA Accommodation Office) and submit this to the UEA Accommodation Office prior to your departure.

Renting in the private sector

Most tenancy agreements given to students in Norwich do not have a break clause allowing for early termination. This means you will likely be responsible for paying rent for the remainder of your tenancy agreement, even if you plan to move out early.

Speak with your landlord/agent as you may find that they will allow you to find a replacement tenant to take over your room and rent liability.

Council Tax

You will still be exempt from paying Council Tax, as long as you return to your studies.

If you do not return to study, you will become liable for Council Tax from the date you interrupted. Students are responsible for reporting their status to the relevant local Council.

Academic matters

You will not be allowed to attend lectures and seminars, but you will retain access and borrowing rights to the library, continue to have access to your University email account, the University’s web portal and some Blackboard and be able to maintain contact with your advisor.

If you are on a professional course with a time limit for completing your studies, such as MBBS, check that your period of interruption will not cause problems with completing your course in time.

International students

Interruption will affect your immigration status. Speak to the Student Life International team in Student Services. Their email address is studentlife.international@uea.ac.uk.

University discipline

It's important to understand that the UEA General Regulations for Students and University Disciplinary Procedures, still apply for students taking a break in studies.

This means that it is still possible for the University to request a student's attendance at a disciplinary investigation during their interruption to study, and disciplinary processes and considerations can still be applied.

Other rights

While you are interrupting, you can continue to access:

  • Career Central
  • Student Journey and Support Services
  • Student Information Zone (SIZ)
  • Students’ Union Advice Team

Unfortunately, you cannot use the Sportspark as a student member or compete and represent UEA until you have returned from interruption, but you will be able to continue to take part in club training (providing you have paid for membership and SAM).

You cannot remain listed as a patient at the University Medical Service, unless you live in the catchment area.