When I started Cambridge, I knew I was chronically ill, but I wasn’t sure what the problem was. I studied my first year full time, but having what I now know to be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, made this stressful and I found it difficult to keep up. In the summer after my first year, I thought I would probably have to intermit (take time out from uni) if I wasn’t able to keep up, but I realised that I was unlikely to be any more capable of full-time study after a year out. Then I heard about Double Time (officially called ‘Extension of Period of Study’ by the uni), where you study one academic year, spaced out over two (or more!), and I knew it would be the perfect solution. I applied, and whilst the application was a little slow, it was worth the wait. (A side note however that the application system is being improved and sped up!).
When I first started Double Time study, there were relatively few students doing the same thing as me in the university, but now it is getting more and more popular. The scheme is for those who struggle to study full time due to disability reasons, and the majority of Double Time students have Chronic Fatigue, mental health problems or SpLDs. It’s great because you have the flexibility to choose which papers you’ll study in which year, and often you can get extra accommodations made to help you get exactly the help you need to study successfully (for example I wrote an extra dissertation instead of an exam).
I’ve studied 4 years (2 academic years) Double Time now, and I’ve been able to achieve results that I could never have dreamed of if I was studying full time. Double Time means I have less essays and less contact hours, so I have plenty of time for medical appointments, relaxation, seeing friends and extra-curricular activities, things which I struggled to find the time for before. It’s important to have a balanced lifestyle and Double Time definitely helped me to do that. Initially my family were worried about me taking an extra two years to graduate, but I am much happier now that I have time for study AND rest, and the extra two years are worth it if it means I can continue to study without my health suffering. Another two years in Cambridge with my friends also isn’t a bad thing!
See our advice on part-time studies at university here.