Transferring university

[Denqueenrep]

DC is in Year 1 and has had a very disappointing start due to several factors but the main one being that the university have changed the course. Ideally DC would like to transfer into Year 2 at a different university, if possible. Has anyone managed to do this or is it best to start again? Any advice?

Transfer to year 2 is relatively unusual - not usually possible. He'd have to get in touch direct with the uni he wanted to transfer to, with details of all the modules he has done/will do, to see whether they're acceptable as covering the new uni's year 1.

Why doesn't he just drop out now, rather than rack up a year of loan (he's only liable for 25% atm) and work with a view to starting fresh next year?

That is an option but he already had to take a year out because of the 2020 A level disaster (for him) and thinks he doesn't have time on his side because he's already 19!! I'm starting to think though that this is the best thing for him but am also concerned about how his MH will suffer further.

Where abouts are you geographically , if London somewhere like Birkbeck may be an option.the link below sets out how they deal with transfer credits . But 19 really isn’t that old

www.bbk.ac.uk/student-services/admissions/transfer

Transferring directly into Year 2 can and does happen, as long as you're sticking with the same subject. You will need to approach the new institution and speak with admissions tutors. They will want to know what topics/modules he's studying this year, and will require him to complete and pass Year 1 at the original institution.

It's not an easy thing to do, though, as you're starting fresh with a cohort of students who have already been through a year together and made friends. And jumping straight into modules that 'count' rather than having that qualificatory year where grades basically don't count. (At most universities, the degree classification is based on grades achieved in Years 2 and 3.)

Given how early it is in the academic year, if he's hating it then another year out really does make sense. The age gap will still be barely noticeable. And will his mental health be best served by struggling through a year of study that isn't suiting him? With pressure placed on him to engage and perform relatively well?

DD considered transfer as Plan B last year (Plan A was transfer to another degree at original uni). Transfer uni she identified as first choice said they would look favourably on applications who met their competitive entry criteria for first year and had passed (or were on track to pass) first year in current course. They asked you to apply via UCAS to demonstrate seriousness and then they would contact you to compare module content to check whether 2nd year entry was possible. DD decided to wait until she heard from original uni so didn't take it any further but it seemed relatively straightforward. Transfer uni said they happily took good students to fill drop outs.

Thanks for the replies. DS has been in touch with a few universities already to see if they would take him in year 2. 3 out of 4 will but yes it all seems rather arduous and having to go through ucas again. Not to mention trying to find someone to do the reference again. Does anyone know if there is a way to get into university without having to go through the whole ucas process again? Is clearing worth considering given that he still doesn't know what he wants to do regarding current uni?

So fed up with it all. It will have been 2 years of this and it's hard to try and remain upbeat for him when things beyond his control are repeatedly working against him!

Interesting about birkbeck, thanks. Isn't that all part-time/evening?

Birkbeck is evening teaching although I had tutorials in day time . However the undergraduates I met ranged from schooleavers all the way up, many of the younger ones lined it because they effectively studied in the library, worked part time jobs in the day . It’s not quite the same but it does seem to suit those who find the standard model doesn’t really suit them .

Agree UCAS is a bit of a faff. However if your DS is like mine having a plan for next year made her feel so much better for the rest of first year. So perhaps worth the effort now. Personal tutor could do the UCAS reference easily.

ClerkMaxwell that is exactly how my DS feels. Thanks for tip off about Personal tutor doing reference!

My now 23 yo DS transferred from Lancaster to Leeds for the start of year 2. He was very unhappy at Lancaster (nothing against the uni, he loved the course; they do a major then 2 minor subjects). He started with Philosophy and the two minor in English lit and History. He transferred to Leeds and English Lit.
He didn't tell me until he had been accepted so it's great your DS is open with you as I wish mine had told me how unhappy he was. It was the isolation of being at a campus uni and unfortunately I had persuaded him to go catered; most of the students who do so are overseas there.
Fortunately it worked out as he has a First and a masters now.
As pp said it is best to contact the intended uni direct, finish the first year and have evidenced work, Leeds did require a strong reference from Lancaster too. My DS was fortunate enough not to have to go through the whole initial process again.
I have learnt my lesson in trying to 'interfere', my DD is going to uni next year and I have taken her to visits but tried not to give too much of opinion this time.
I hope your DS does transfer to a uni that he'll be happier at with a course he wants.

Thank you angieloumc that is lovely to hear - I'm pleased it worked out so well for your DS. My DS feels quite rejuvenated knowing he has a get-out clause so to speak, thanks to this thread, so we'll see what happens!