Need advice!

I came over to the UK 6 months ago on a student visa to study at uni. Since it started I feel overwhelmed and now I really want to take a gap year. However, I want to stay in the UK during that time but I'm not sure if I can on a student visa. What do I need to do to stay here legally?

If I remember correctly, you can't stay during an interruption of study. The visa is only valid while you're enrolled in your course.

You would need to apply for a different type of visa.

You would have to apply for a visit visa from within the UK, or leave and come back on a BUNAC.

Vicky

or leave and come back on a BUNAC.

Vicky

BUNAC for US students to Britain will cease to exist as of this Wednesday (not to mention the OP wouldn't have been eligible for it anyway since he or she's enrolled in a UK institution.)

thanks for the help! What is a visit visa, and would it be good for one year until I can get my student visa back?

BUNAC for US students to Britain will cease to exist as of this Wednesday (not to mention the OP wouldn't have been eligible for it anyway since he or she's enrolled in a UK institution.)

Wow, how totally daft of me!  I really shouldn't post when I am so tired, sorry (and thanks).
 
I mean to say 'youth mobility', which shoudn't have the same restrictions.

A visit visa will allow you to stay for six months, but you wouldn't be able to work.


Vicky

I checked online and the youth mobility visa looked like it would work, because I will be working during the year. How long does it normally take to come through after applying? Would I have to re-apply for a new student visa later? this is very complicated:/

I checked online and the youth mobility visa looked like it would work, because I will be working during the year. How long does it normally take to come through after applying? Would I have to re-apply for a new student visa later? this is very complicated:/

The youth mobilty scheme hasn't even started yet (and it is unclear whether the US will even be a participating country!) so there are no specifics on application to be had yet.  However if you did qualify for and get that visa, you'd have to reapply for a new student visa when you resume your course since the youth mobility visa would effectively cancel your existing student visa.