Can you accept an offer but then decline the place and reapply next year?

[Maggiethecat]

Deadline approaches and Dd not firmed yet!
She is considering reapplying next year but thinks that if she firms (her conditional offer) she is obliged to go to Durham and can’t reapply for next year.

I’ll check the UCAS site and make enquiries but my initial feeling is that can’t be right. I’m presuming that once grades are out and if she is minded to reapply for 2025 entry then she just needs to contact Durham to withdraw?

Correct OP. You can withdraw before matriculation. No charges from SF if applied for, just make sure it's all cancelled in the portal.

Mine withdrew from her Durham offer 2 years ago on 9th Sept, declined in system and sent them an email.

Thanks, that does make sense!

PP is correct. If she wants to reapply for 2025 she just withdraws on UCAS and cancels her student finance application, easy process.

But having an offer one year does not guarantee getting one the next - would she be comfortable NOT going to Durham if she didn’t get an offer next time?

If she absolutely wants to go to Durham but not this year, deferral might be the option if offered on her programme.

If she's not sure then withdrawal is the best option.

Not all unis/courses will consider a deferral though or give you a quick answer if they do. You can withdraw at any point until enrolment. Then reapply for following year with grades in hand.

Thanks everyone.

@Bunnyannesummers - problem is that I don’t think she loved Durham on her offer holder day. She liked the uni and department enough but think she wasn’t loving Durham as a place (and may be influenced that nightlife is not great). She’s also been offered John Snow which is quite far out.

I will make the point to her though that an offer this year does not guarantee an offer next year if she declines even if she exceeds grade requirements!