Is it too late to defer?

[Willow]

what you have now is so much better than what you thought you would have 12 months ago

Absolutely

I just need to change the way i'm thinking about it - Michelle's right, it's not quitting, it's taking time off until circumstances are better for me to really throw myself into it.

[HotI]

Deferring can be a more mature way of dealing with it, recognising that you need time this year and give yourself a year to prepare so you will be ready to study next year.

However, if you do still want to do a subject this year, uni can accomodate 'special needs' at exam time. Students can be given extra time to write or extra breaks during the exam that won't come out of your writing time. You can also negotiate to sit the exam in an alternative room if you need a more comfy chair or need to be able to walk around.

Distance Education can be pretty isolating, so whether you study this year or next try to link up with other students so you can help each other out with motivation when it gets a bit tough.

Whatever you decide, good luck

Kate

[bon]

If you ring the uni and explain your new circumstances, they will probably be really understanding. I am thinking about what to do in 2nd semester re my uni course. I am enrolled in 2 subjects in 1st semester which should be fine, but I am due in 2nd semester right around exam time. So I am debating whether to enrol in subjects anyway, or see if I can take a semester off. I am thinking a semester off might be the best way to go...I don't know if I will have the focus to really get into my study when I am in third trimester.

[Junglemum]

Love! deffering isn't giving up or failing. I deferred my degree for almost 4 years, but i went back and completed it. There is no time limit. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Keep up a subject if you want, but i wouldn't be putting any pressure on yourself to do so. The subjects will always be there. No big deal when you complete them.

I deffered about 3 weeks before exams. I had to repeat the subjects i was half way through, but that was no big deal. You can defer anytime, you may just have to start a subject over.......

Pregnancy is exhausting, especially with a toddler. You should still be proud and excited you got in. Your place will be waiting for you until you are ready, so i say take those undies from the outside of your pants and give yourself a break!

[tk1999]

I am in the first trimester and am studying one subject this semester and then will take a leave of absence for next semester as I am due mid-semester and don't think I will have the get up and go with newborn tiredness to finish the semester and then deal with exams in November

As the others have said deferring is not failing - it is actually the higher road as you are not jepordising a fail etc but taking the time to focus on another aspect of your life and will return to studies when the time is right.

I am currently weighing up whether to have first semester next year off as well... we can take 12 months leave of absence during the course but I think I will wait and see how I go with the first 3 months after bub's gets here.

[Willow]

tk - we can do the same, but I think with a 6 year degree I'd like to save that 12 months of leave in case I need it in the future.

Thanks for all your posts. After speaking to DH and the uni today I've decided to defer. Must say I'm looking forward to being able to relax and not stress about having to study all the time. Gotta get the paper work in the mail today.

Still feel like a bit of a loser, I've been at this all of oh....4 weeks!! LOL. Ah well, things are not as I expected them to be so I"m off to follow Ange's advice and take those undies off

[tk1999]

Congratulations on reaching a decision Willow! I only wish I could still defer... I am too far into the degree (this is my 4th semester) to defer - darn - lol

[Michelle71]

take those undies from the outside of your pants and give yourself a break!

PMSL - that is classic and one I can imagine having met Miss Willow