If you want to continue your studies

Sukurta: 19 October 2021

If you have been on academic leave, suspended or terminated your studies and want to return to them, you can continue or resume your studies.

Continuation of Studies

You can continue your studies after a study break or academic leave.

It is necessary to fill in the application “Request for Permission to Resume Studies (After Academic Leave / Suspension of Studies)” in the eStudent environment. It is too late to submit an application at the beginning of the semester, so it is recommended to submit it no later than 5 (five) working days before the start of the new semester. If the University needs additional information from you, the administration of the core academic unit (faculty) will contact you.

Resumption of Studies

If your studies have been terminated, there is a possibility to resume studies, but must take the initiative and inquire about the requirements for resumption of studies in the section Suspension, Termination and Resumption of Studies and in the University study regulations. Contact the administration of the Vilnius University core academic unit (faculty) regarding the possibility to resume your studies.

Involve the right people in your decision to go back to studies

When you made the decision to suspend your studies, or take academic leave, you did so because of certain challenges or circumstances. Evaluate whether they solved it? If not, or it have resolved in part, it is worth considering your decision to return with University consultants. They can help plan how to return to study and get the help you need to deal with any difficulties you may have. Otherwise, there is a risk that you will have to take leave again or suspend your studies after the semester for the same unresolved reasons.

Take an interest in the services of a career counsellor at Vilnius University, talk to a mentor, ask about the possibilities to continue or renew your studies as an academic counsellor in your core academic unit (faculty). If you feel that you need not only professional advice, but also psychological support, the University employs psychologists who help students solve problems on a daily basis.

Plan your time and coordinate it with relatives / employer

Going back to study in your life means that part of the time you have devoted to someone else will now be devoted to learning. Assess whether you will have the opportunity to appoint more time to learn. An academic counsellor can help to objectively assess how long the studies will take. Be realistic – you will also need to fall asleep and rest. Start with your agenda right now: activities and commitments available, including everyday things like lunch, sleep, and more. Supplement the agenda with lectures and time for self-study. Remember, no matter how ambitious the goals, there are still the same 24 hours a day, so setting a new agenda may require you to give up some current activities or spend less time on them. When you put together a new agenda, share it with loved ones and your employer. This will help them understand when you are free, discuss with your employer how you can combine study and work, and help you stay on schedule.

Take advantage of help during your studies

Often students who have had a break from their studies have difficulty returning to study because they are re-experiencing the process of adaptation they have already experienced in the first year at the University. Again, everything seems new, unfamiliar, and when the environment evokes more negative than positive emotions, it can be even harder to focus on learning. To make it easier for you to get involved and get involved in community life, talk about it with a career counsellor, find out about additional activities at the University, meet with a mentor.

Start studying before the lectures begin

When returning to studies after a break, it is highly recommended to review old lecture notes, textbooks from the required literature before starting your studies, as new topics will be taught assuming that you have already mastered the material from previous courses. It will be much easier to master the new material if you also take a look at the compulsory literature for the new semester. Studying before you start studying can be a great way to check how your agenda looks in practice. It will also help to notice patterns of ineffective study before the session begins, when it becomes much more difficult to make a change in yourself. Pay attention to times when you are too tired to study for other commitments and reposition the agenda so that it is not so stressful.

Make new relationships at Vilnius University

It is important not just to turn to career counsellors, mentors, or academic counsellors. Get acquainted with the widest possible circle of students, your classmates, contact the leader of the academic group, as your attitude will enrich the group, and their knowledge of studies and ways of studying will help you to enter the study process faster. If you’re starting a new course unit, don’t be afraid if you’re the only one asking during lectures. Initiate a discussion and sooner or later, others will join it. Also get involved in the activities of Vilnius University Students' Representation and other clubs, societies and associations.

Although you may have a natural desire to communicate only with your current circle of acquaintances, note that the University offers an invaluable opportunity to establish relationships. Your course friends may become your employees, employers, colleagues, partners, customers, or service providers in the near future. So find the strength and motivation to step out of the safe comfort zone and take the time to make new acquaintances.

Tips for a Successful Return to Studies