Deferred entry to Cambrige

jja182005

I have been suffering from depression during my gap year since March. I am not sure if I want to start the Cambridge undergraduate term on 1st of Oct, due to their intense academic pressure. My employer has offered me a fully funded apprenticeship programme beginning next Sept, which allows me to work as an apprentice on the job and receive online training towards a bachelor's degree at Exeter university after two years' studies. This works out a lot cheaper and a lot less stressful than the 3 year undergraduate program at Cambridge.

My questions are

1. If within 2-3 weeks of starting the term with Cambridge, I find it too much to cope and I need to ask to take one year off, will I still have to pay the entire year's tuition fee through student finance? Will Cambridge allow me to take another gap year off even if I start 2 or 3 weeks' studies?

2.Do I need to apply for student finance again next year if I defer my entry again until Oct next year?

What would you do in this situation?

Many thanks.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 1

DorkDiaries

Original post by jja182005

I have been suffering from depression during my gap year since March. I am not sure if I want to start the Cambridge undergraduate term on 1st of Oct, due to their intense academic pressure. My employer has offered me a fully funded apprenticeship programme beginning next Sept, which allows me to work as an apprentice on the job and receive online training towards a bachelor's degree at Exeter university after two years' studies. This works out a lot cheaper and a lot less stressful than the 3 year undergraduate program at Cambridge.
My questions are
1. If within 2-3 weeks of starting the term with Cambridge, I find it too much to cope and I need to ask to take one year off, will I still have to pay the entire year's tuition fee through student finance? Will Cambridge allow me to take another gap year off even if I start 2 or 3 weeks' studies?
2.Do I need to apply for student finance again next year if I defer my entry again until Oct next year?
What would you do in this situation?
Many thanks.

First of all-if I were you I would not go to Cambridge. Besides, prestige of university and sitting through lectures does not equate to valuable experience gained in apprenticeships. Better mental health aswell..(Heck, imperial college london has surpassed oxbridge in rankings so the academic pressure isn't worth it)
answer to
q1) Yes you have to pay your maintenance loan and tuition loan for that TERM only. They are paid in installments throughout the year by student finance. No, Cambridge will not allow you to take another gap year.
q2) Yes, you apply for student finance again because every student in UK applies for student finance every year. I advise that you do it early-around march.
hope this helps

Reply 2

Samarnold285

Original post by jja182005

I have been suffering from depression during my gap year since March. I am not sure if I want to start the Cambridge undergraduate term on 1st of Oct, due to their intense academic pressure. My employer has offered me a fully funded apprenticeship programme beginning next Sept, which allows me to work as an apprentice on the job and receive online training towards a bachelor's degree at Exeter university after two years' studies. This works out a lot cheaper and a lot less stressful than the 3 year undergraduate program at Cambridge.
My questions are
1. If within 2-3 weeks of starting the term with Cambridge, I find it too much to cope and I need to ask to take one year off, will I still have to pay the entire year's tuition fee through student finance? Will Cambridge allow me to take another gap year off even if I start 2 or 3 weeks' studies?
2.Do I need to apply for student finance again next year if I defer my entry again until Oct next year?
What would you do in this situation?
Many thanks.

Tbh mate, stop worrying about it. First year of uni isn’t that hard, even tho I’m aware it’s Cambridge. Also it won’t just be you who’s going through the pressure at any stage there will be hundreds of people in your course expeirencing The same levels of stress and pressure as you so you won’t be alone and there will be people to support you. If you take another gap year, your just delaying it even more. Make a decision and stick to that decision.