If you’re thinking about taking time off from school, you are not alone.

Going to college can be a great choice and an amazing experience. But sometimes it’s just not workable, or it might seem like if you did go, you wouldn’t be able to make the most of it.

Here are some key factors to consider:

• impact on your financial aid
• access to health insurance and care, especially if you get them through your school
• your housing situation 
• your intended graduation timeline

You may also want to look into “in between” options. For example, many colleges allow a reduced/part-time courseload. Or you may be able to take a class at a community college and transfer credits when you re-enroll at your home institution. 

Your school’s website will have info, but this is also a situation where getting help and input from a knowledgeable advocate is an important best practice. Talk to people like:

• EOP or other student support staff
• your college advisor or coach
• a faculty or campus mentor

These people have probably advised many students through similar situations and can give you advice about what to consider.

Don’t rush this decision, but if you can, it’s best to decide and declare your time off before classes start. Doing that helps you to avoid fees, paperwork, and other hassles.

Everyone takes time off for different reasons, and everyone uses their time off in different ways. If you’re not in school, make sure you have a few ways you can continue to engage with your community and academic interests. Not only will doing that help smooth your transition back to college, it can also make you a wiser student and maybe give you some good resume material!

Here are a few options to consider:

• an internship
• a part time job
• tutoring with a local organization, or an online one like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors
• a fun, low-stakes online class to explore a topic related to your major

It’s hard to think about returning when you’re just deciding whether to take a leave, but having a solid return plan will help you get what you need out of your time away. Decide which term you plan to return, and work with your coach or advisor to make a specific plan. Make sure the plan includes: 

• when you’ll re-enroll
• what classes you will take that term
• your financial aid plan, including any adjustments

And finally, make sure you prepare a calendar of important on-campus dates, even if you’re not there. You don’t want to miss class registration when it’s time to go back! 

You’ve got this!