Withdrawing from your studies | University of South Wales

This page provides guidance on things to consider and where to get help if you are thinking of withdrawing from your studies. It also outlines the procedure to withdraw if you ultimately decide to do so.

You may be thinking about leaving university for any number of reasons, but there may be other options to consider before you take that step.

For individual support with this topic, contact the Advice Zone or book an appointment with one of the University’s specialist services detailed below.

Before making a decision to withdraw

All Students

Course issues

If the reason you are looking to withdraw relates to your course, you should discuss this with your Course Leader or Personal Academic Coach.

Financial implications of withdrawing

You should read the Withdrawal, Interruption of Studies and Transfer Regulations in Appendix 3 of the University’s Fees and Debt Management Policy to ensure that you are fully aware of the financial implications of withdrawing. If you would like to discuss these financial implications, book an appointment with a Student Money Adviser.

If you are in receipt of a loan, grant, scholarship or bursary it is important that you contact Student Finance or whichever other organisations are providing you with funding.

Accommodation

If you are living in student accommodation you should contact your landlord (if private) or the Accommodation Office (if you are living in halls) who will be able to advise you of notice periods and any payments that may need to be made. This information should also be in your tenancy agreement.

Other options

You may wish to consider other options available to you rather than withdrawal, such as Interruption of Studies; the Advice Zone can go through these with you. If you are unsure which option is the right one for you, you can book an appointment with the Progression Advice Team to discuss your options and explore support if you choose to continue your studies.

Nursing and Midwifery students

If you are a nursing or midwifery student then you must contact your course leader to discuss your wish to withdraw and for them to approve your request.

International/EU/EEA/Swiss students and students with other immigration permissions

If you are in the UK on a study visa you must seek advice from Immigration and International Advice before making a decision to withdraw from studies. They will advise you about the implications of leaving your studies for your current visa.

Procedure for withdrawing from your studies

Before withdrawing

Return of USW property

Before withdrawing you must return any University property that you have on loan such as library books or IT equipment.

USW IT account access

As soon as your request to withdraw has been processed you will lose access to your University IT account and all associated resources. This includes your student email account and any cloud storage associated with it e.g. OneDrive.

It is therefore important that you take copies of any emails and documents you wish to retain before submitting your withdrawal request.

Submitting a request to withdraw

Requests to withdraw must be made on Advice Zone Online.

Reason for withdrawal

You will be required to select the reason for your withdrawal from the options shown in the table below.

Reason for withdrawal
I transferred to another institution.
I am experiencing difficulties with my Mental Health (diagnosed mental health condition).
I am experiencing difficulties with my Mental Health (no diagnosis).
I experienced poor physical health
I had financial difficulties
My sponsor can no longer support me financially
I found it difficult to balance employment and study
I took up employment.
I was made redundant.
I don’t wish to say
I had difficulty balancing caring responsibilities.
I had relationship problems.
A friend/relative passed away.
Legal matters
I chose the wrong course.
The course did not meet my expectations.
I found the academic workload too heavy.
I felt I did not have the skills needed for the course.
I was not motivated to attend.
I did not receive enough academic support and feedback.
I found the course disorganised.
There wasn’t enough face to face teaching.
There wasn’t enough online teaching.
I had accommodation problems.
Timetables were not flexible enough for my needs.
There was a lack of social activity.
I was homesick.

Evidence

All Students - All students must upload email evidence showing that they have informed their Course Leader / Personal Academic Coach / Personal Tutor of their decision to withdraw.

Nursing and Midwifery - Nursing and Midwifery students must also provide evidence that their course leader has approved their withdrawal request.

International Students - Students in the UK on a study visa, must seek immigration advice on their request to withdraw, and upload an email showing the advice that was given.

Completion of withdrawal

You will receive confirmation on Advice Zone Online that your withdrawal request has been received and will be processed.

The effective date of withdrawal from studies is the date that your completed (with evidence if required) request to withdraw from studies form is submitted via Advice Zone Online.