When is taking a leave of absence better than trying to continue struggling?
A leave of absence is worth considering when physical or mental health problems, family circumstances, financial difficulties, or another serious situation make continuing likely to worsen your health or academic progress, and you need time to recover or resolve the issue. First consult an adviser, faculty member, counseling service, or healthcare professional, and compare leave with ways to reduce your workload and continue studying.
Key points
- If poor health, sleep problems, or low mood persist and make classes or daily life difficult, seek advice early, including about a leave of absence.
- Compare alternatives such as taking fewer courses, adjusting deadlines, or using counseling or medical support.
- If you take leave, clarify its purpose, likely duration, and the conditions and timing for returning as far as possible.
Things to check
- Procedures and effects on enrollment status, fees, scholarships, credits, and return to study vary by university, faculty, and program, so check official information and the relevant office.