Changing courses, changing university

eira

The first university had her down on their internal database as a transfer but their external notification came under 'withdrawn' which was the sticking point. The second university had her down as a transfer. The LEA had been administering her loan but as she changed universities she applied for a loan online which meant she fell under the SLC. But the 'withdrawal' status was stuck with the LEA It was this that caused the sticking point (amongst other things)


Whatever the erros it was enough to leave a slime trail that proved hard to shift. It was a system error that everyone kep passing the buck over. The telephone complaint meant it took just 10 minutes of the time of someone who understood the system

It was a semantic issue with the first university's system-still think the SLC is a shambles though-and it show how thorough you need to be

hbloomers

I transferred university after then end of first year. I was studying music and french JA, and moved to just studying Music.

The first thing I'd recommend is contacting the Admissions Officer of the university you wish to attend, ask if it'd be possible to transfer directly into another course, into second year, or if you need to start from the beginning. It'll depend on the relevence of the subject you're studying now, A level grades etc.

I had to apply directly to the university, and when that was accepted, apply through UCAS. I think its needed as a record of undergrads for funding or something. You'll need a reference from a tutor. I asked my personal tutor, but as you haven't met yours, perhaps a seminar tutor, or head of dept? I actually needed 2 references. You'll need to write a personal statement as well, in all likelihoods. Try and find a copy of your course syllabus, module list, how it is assessed etc. as that will help the new university to decide if your course is compatible.

As for UCAS, the closing date for main applications is mid January, but I applied in April in the late application cycle. At this point I had my place confirmed, so it was all a formality. I'd start the process as soon as you can, because it can take a great deal of time, especially if you're chasing people up for references.

You'll get funding if you have to go into 1st year again - this year will count as a false start. A few of my friends have changed courses and got funding for it.

Anyway, good luck! PM me if you have any more questions!

tsabo

Thank you so much for your help everyone.

I have found out it is near impossible to get out of my accommodation contract, pretty much anything short of death. I would also lose my £200 deposit and have to pay a £75 'leaving fee'. This on top of having to pay back grants etc, which I financially can't do even if I was to ge my old job back. It seems a bit silly that it actually works out cheaper for me to stay at university, yes I will be in about £5000 more debt at the end and have initially wasted a year but i'm not sure what else I can do.

I have contacted two other universities nearer to home and they both said to apply via UCAS, but they'd understand if I couldn't make the deadline and they still accept applications after this.

hbloomers

Don't consider it a wasted year. Yes, you may not have been doing exactly what you wanted, but you'll have learned from new experiences, met new people and advanced your knowledge! My university course may not have been exactly what I was hoping for, but I've met new friends that I think will stay with me for life, learnt new things, found new interests and experienced living away from home.

Silver lining and all that

melancholly

it sounds like a horrible time and i hope a move would be an improvement!

if you haven't been to student services yet, just search for it on your uni website. they may (or indeed may not!) be able to help you with the accommodation issue, as may the accommodation office. there should be a section of the website for current students, listing things like where the library, careers service or sports facilities are. this will include student services (possibly under a slightly different name though). they may also be able to help with SLC paperwork and things like that.

for what it's worth, your tutor probably won't know much about academic transfers as they're not very common! you should speak to them anyway if you're unhappy on the course, but often the best people for advice on official procedures are the department office staff. they can be more helpful. i do think this may be easier in person rather than by phone or email, so if you are still there, head along.

be aware that most unis won't really show every student where these services are. they'll expect you to refer to course handbook and information on the website. i wouldn't say that them not explicitly telling you where student services is is a bad thing - and wherever you move to won't suddenly give tours or anything like that. all unis have info available, but since there is so much, it's hard to see the things you want. don't underestimate how much you can find out from the website!

Oldernotwiser

tsabo wrote: »

Thank you so much for your help everyone.

I have found out it is near impossible to get out of my accommodation contract, pretty much anything short of death. I would also lose my £200 deposit and have to pay a £75 'leaving fee'. This on top of having to pay back grants etc, which I financially can't do even if I was to ge my old job back. It seems a bit silly that it actually works out cheaper for me to stay at university, yes I will be in about £5000 more debt at the end and have initially wasted a year but i'm not sure what else I can do.

I have contacted two other universities nearer to home and they both said to apply via UCAS, but they'd understand if I couldn't make the deadline and they still accept applications after this.

You can make sure that this year isn't wasted by doing lots of preparatory reading for your new degree and improving your study skills so that you can hit the ground running when you make a new start in September.