Transferring universities can be a confusing process, whether you are in first year or third year! There are a few things that you need to think about when switching universities. Luckily we have outlined everything you need to know!
Discuss and research
Why do you want to transfer?
Before going through the process of transferring universities, you need to make sure that it is in your best interests- mentally, physically, emotionally and academically. Talk to people whose opinion you trust, ask people who will be unbiased in what they think. But at the end of the day this is your decision and you should be the one to make it!
Do you want to transfer universities or courses (or both)?
Another thing to consider is whether you want to transfer universities or courses. It is easier to transfer to another course within the same university than to transfer university, so make sure you are aware of all the options available.
Whether you want to transfer because of the course, the campus, the city or the university, make sure you know what you want to do and where. Come up with a list of things you value in your education, what you want to learn and what kind of environment you want to be in. Know the ins and outs of the courses you want to do and where you want to be before you start applying to transfer.
Who to talk to
When thinking of transferring universities, it is important that you communicate with your personal tutor or student support officer. They can help support you through the process and give you advice on how to go about transferring. UCAS student support can also provide a level of help in discussing your options.
If you are set on a particular university, you should email/contact that university to ask if they accept transfers. Every university website has a contact information section where you can find email addresses to enquire at. Be sure to have on hand your name, current university and course, details of your previous modules and academic record and the name of the course you wish to transfer to.
Things to consider
Entry requirements
If the university you want to switch to does accept transferring students, you need to check the course requirements. Checking A-Levels grades/subjects and current grade requirements will ensure that you can get onto the course should you apply.
If you are transferring in second or third year, you may be able to stay in that year at the new university, depending on the similarities between the course you are currently doing and the one you are switching to. Some universities also have requirements regarding this so you will need to enquire.
Student Finance
You will need to update your student finance records with your new university, course, and year of study. Regarding your student finance payments, these will normally be carried on with the new university course. However, depending on the length of the new course, self-funding may be required in the last few years.
Student Visas
If you are an international student, transferring universities may impact your student visa. It is important to check with your student support officer whether there will be any changes, especially considering variations of course length.
Accommodation
If you do transfer universities, it is essential to think about where you are going to live. Applying for university accommodation once you have an offer is an option but dependent on personal preference. The difference in property rent between cities is a paramount consideration as this will effect the accommodation type you can afford.
How to apply
This again depends upon the university, but many UK universities require you to reapply through UCAS. Writing personal statements and entrance tests aside, you will additionally have to provide you course grades and modules that you have studied in your previous university course.
Deadlines for transferring universities
The UCAS deadlines for university applications typically is the 15th of January for most courses and the 15th of October for Medicine, Veterinary and Oxbridge courses. This is for starting in the next academic year. Few universities will accept transfers during an academic year, so it is likely that you will need to wait until the next academic year.
During your UCAS application, if you have confirmed with your chosen university that you can begin in second or third year, you should put this as your point of entry for starting the course. This is the year you will join in the course.
Transferring universities is a brave step in deciding what you want from your education. Despite the challenge of this, there are people within every university and outside available to help you in this journey. Good luck to anyone transferring or reapplying!
