Reapplying for September 2025 with a deferred application

Hii

Last year I had deferred my place due to personal circumstances from SOAS to this year. However, after some reflection I realised that both the city and Uni might not be the best fit for me. (Originally I was going to study Languages and Cultures)

I'm currently thinking about switching to IR at either:
- Nottingham Trent Uni
- UoB
-Aston
-Loughborough
-Lancaster

I have the grades (ABB) but I'm not sure about how to go about the whole process.

If anyone has any advice - I'd really appreciate it :smile:

Also if anyone has advice about being a mature student at uni in general that'd be great (I'm 22)

Thankss

Reply 1

chai24:)

^^ this is my post^^ - had to delete my account and start over, but yes would appreciate any advice :smile:

Reply 2

georgina24682

Original post

by chai24:)

^^ this is my post^^ - had to delete my account and start over, but yes would appreciate any advice :smile:

Email the unis you have listed and ask them you need to provide to enter at their uni most unis would say to apply on ucas so have your ucas details on hand

Reply 3

chai24:)

Original post

by georgina24682

Email the unis you have listed and ask them you need to provide to enter at their uni most unis would say to apply on ucas so have your ucas details on hand

thank you so much - that's really helpful :smile:

Reply 4

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by chai24:)

^^ this is my post^^ - had to delete my account and start over, but yes would appreciate any advice :smile:

You will need to contact SOAS and ask them to release you so that you can complete a new UCAS application for this cycle. Check if the courses you are interested in are still open to applications as the equal consideration deadline has passed.

Reply 5

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by username7443831

Hii
Last year I had deferred my place due to personal circumstances from SOAS to this year. However, after some reflection I realised that both the city and Uni might not be the best fit for me. (Originally I was going to study Languages and Cultures)
I'm currently thinking about switching to IR at either:
- Nottingham Trent Uni
- UoB
-Aston
-Loughborough
-Lancaster
I have the grades (ABB) but I'm not sure about how to go about the whole process.
If anyone has any advice - I'd really appreciate it :smile:

Also if anyone has advice about being a mature student at uni in general that'd be great (I'm 22)
Thankss

Hi!

It would be best to email the universities. I believe that you would have to apply through UCAS for any undergraduate study, but to confirm and discuss your situation with the universities directly.
Our dedicated admissions team will be happy to answer any of your questions and explain your options and next steps, so please do send them an email to [email protected] 😊 (I bothered them quite a bit with questions when I was applying for my course haha - don't hesitate to reach out if you are unclear about anything).

Regarding being a mature student: while I am not one myself, three of my best friends on the course are. To be honest, I wouldn't have realised that they were 21, 23 and 26 when they started the course if they hadn't told me. It's unlikely that you will be treated any differently because you are a mature student, here everyone is "a university student" and there is a lovely sense of community on campus 😊

I guess the main advice would be: be confident, be yourself and don't compare yourself to others. Some of the mature students in my friends' circle have told me that they sometimes feel uncomfortable or less capable because they study and achieve the same things as someone who is multiple years younger than them. While it's understandable why one might feel this way, and imposter syndrome is a real thing, don't forget that:

you and your peers are starting from the same point in terms of that specific course and uni and you are all in the same boat.

your extra couple years and the experiences you went through are valuable and are something to be proud of :smile:

Other students and academics really wouldn't judge your age or your background - you're valued for who you are as a person.

So, simply find your people, follow your interests and passions, work hard on your degree, take care of yourself and explore the many opportunities the university has to offer!

Best of luck with your future studies 🙂
Polina,
Lancaster University Student Ambassador.

Reply 6

chai24:)

Original post

by Lancaster Student Ambassador

Hi!
It would be best to email the universities. I believe that you would have to apply through UCAS for any undergraduate study, but to confirm and discuss your situation with the universities directly.
Our dedicated admissions team will be happy to answer any of your questions and explain your options and next steps, so please do send them an email to [email protected] 😊 (I bothered them quite a bit with questions when I was applying for my course haha - don't hesitate to reach out if you are unclear about anything).
Regarding being a mature student: while I am not one myself, three of my best friends on the course are. To be honest, I wouldn't have realised that they were 21, 23 and 26 when they started the course if they hadn't told me. It's unlikely that you will be treated any differently because you are a mature student, here everyone is "a university student" and there is a lovely sense of community on campus 😊
I guess the main advice would be: be confident, be yourself and don't compare yourself to others. Some of the mature students in my friends' circle have told me that they sometimes feel uncomfortable or less capable because they study and achieve the same things as someone who is multiple years younger than them. While it's understandable why one might feel this way, and imposter syndrome is a real thing, don't forget that:

you and your peers are starting from the same point in terms of that specific course and uni and you are all in the same boat.

your extra couple years and the experiences you went through are valuable and are something to be proud of :smile:

Other students and academics really wouldn't judge your age or your background - you're valued for who you are as a person.

So, simply find your people, follow your interests and passions, work hard on your degree, take care of yourself and explore the many opportunities the university has to offer!
Best of luck with your future studies 🙂
Polina,
Lancaster University Student Ambassador.

This was really reassuring, thank you so much - I really appreciate it 😊
Will also deffo start sending out emails

Reply 7

Ereza_SOAS

Original post

by username7443831

Hii
Last year I had deferred my place due to personal circumstances from SOAS to this year. However, after some reflection I realised that both the city and Uni might not be the best fit for me. (Originally I was going to study Languages and Cultures)
I'm currently thinking about switching to IR at either:
- Nottingham Trent Uni
- UoB
-Aston
-Loughborough
-Lancaster
I have the grades (ABB) but I'm not sure about how to go about the whole process.
If anyone has any advice - I'd really appreciate it :smile:

Also if anyone has advice about being a mature student at uni in general that'd be great (I'm 22)
Thankss

Hi,

The first step would be to contact SOAS and let them know you are no longer interested in holding your offer at the university. I would then suggest contacting each university about the application process as the UCAS deadline has passed but some universities still accept late applications. Find the admissions email for each university you are interested in applying to and contact them directly as they will provide the most up to date information regarding a late application.

In terms of being a mature student, I had a few mature students in my classes during my undergraduate years at SOAS and they all really enjoyed their experience. Ages tend to blend together at university so it’s hard to differentiate what age students are and there isn’t a massive difference between those aged 18-22 so I wouldn’t worry about this too much or let it affect your application. Joining societies will be a great way for you to meet potentially older students if you don’t have many mature students in your classes.

Best of luck!
EH

Reply 8

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

To be frank at this stage I wouldn’t recommend wasting time with emails.

Phone SOAS today to get your old application withdrawn, get your new UCAS application and reference finished within the next few days.

Check on UCAS which courses at your preferred universities are still showing vacancies and then RING them to check this is correct.

The equal consideration deadline has passed and so applications to courses that are still open are first come first served - delaying your application for weeks while you wait for email replies is a very poor use of time.

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