Student about to give up a duvet (5)
I believe the answer is:
quilt
'a duvet' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'student about to give up' is the wordplay.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'to give up' becomes 'quit' (both can mean to resign).
'l' inserted inside 'quit' is 'QUILT'.
(Other definitions for quilt that I've seen before include "Bedding item" , "Bedspread" , "Bedcover" , "Eiderdown" , "Duvet" .)