Transferring universities is the process in which you change from one UK university to another without a break in the middle. There are many reasons people choose to transfer universities, such as a dislike for the course or the city, or a change in personal circumstances. 

Whatever your reason for transferring universities may be, we’re here to help.

Consider Your Options

Settling into university can be challenging and can take some time, especially if you have moved to a new city or are studying a new subject. There is a lot to take in, and that whole process can be a little overwhelming.

With numerous recent graduates on our team, we know that the majority of students find the transition to university life difficult for one reason or another. So, you are not alone in considering trying somewhere new. However, it is not always the place or course that is the problem; it is simply the transition itself.

Whether you want to continue your university studies or not, it is always a good idea to seek help and support before you make any big decisions. Speak to your personal tutor, your department or the university counselling service about the issues you are having.

Changing Courses

If you aren’t happy with what you are studying, first consider changing courses whilst staying at your current university. Perhaps you didn’t choose the right degree for you, which is a common occurrence. Changing courses is much less upheaval because you don’t have to settle into a new university or city. Additionally, if the courses are similar, it can be relatively straightforward. Speak to your department who will be able to help you with changing courses.

Changing Universities

For some people, changing courses isn’t enough. Sometimes the university culture doesn’t suit, and another university can provide a different environment, classmates and style of teaching. You can choose to transfer to a new university during any year in your course. However, if you are starting a new course, you may have to start from the first year again. In some cases, you will have completed enough of the same modules to be able to transfer directly in your next year of study. This is known as ‘advanced standing’.

Dropping Out

Both changing courses and transferring universities should be strongly considered before dropping out. This should be a last resort and you should most definitely consult with your tutor and department before going down this route.

The University Transfer Process

So, what is the process for transferring? We’ve highlighted the steps below:

  1. Find a new university that suits your needs, somewhere you will be happy living for the next few years. This might be closer to home, or a city you are more familiar with.
  2. Find a course at that university that you want to study, whether that’s the same one you study now or something new entirely.
  3. Get in touch with the admissions department of the new university and tell them why you would like to transfer.
  4. They will ask to see your transcript, which gives all the courses and modules you have studied so far.
  5. You will then have to go through their application process, which usually entails another personal statement and occasionally an interview or portfolio of work.
  6. Finally, you must await their decision on whether they’ll accept you as a transfer student.

Know Before You Go

Changing university is a huge decision, and there are lots of things to consider. Here are some of the things you need to think about before you do:

Is Your Preferred University Taking Transfers?

Not all universities in the UK accept transfers and even the ones that do cannot always accommodate new students. This may be due to the fact that courses are full or they may already have a waiting list. It’s important not to automatically assume you will be able to attend any university to do any course, as you don’t want to end up being disappointed.

Do You Meet the Entry Requirements?

If you are changing courses, you may not meet the right conditions. For example, you may need different A-Levels to apply. If you are keen to take a particular course, you could consider going back to college to get the right qualifications.

What Are The Financial Options?

Different organisations run student finance in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales so make sure you approach the correct branch depending on where you live. When leaving a course, you will have to pay for the whole term in which you are leaving, even if you are leaving in the first week of that term.

For more information, visit the Student Finance section of the gov.uk website.

Key Takeaways

It’s no secret that transferring universities is a difficult process, so you should try your best to acclimatise to your current university before making up your mind. Ask yourself: are the issues you’re having confined solely to the university you’re in? Are you likely to have the same issues elsewhere? If the answer to these questions is clear, you can be more confident that you’re making the right decision.

If you’d like more information on finding the right university for you, go to our page on choosing a university.