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Student MoneySaving

Archives for June 2016

Pre-PGCE School Experience (Programme).
Hello all, I've recently had some bad experiences with a school and it's left me feeling quite angry and frustrated. I am out of pocket as a result of the schools actions. I arranged a formal 10 day placement with a school a few towns over from me via the School Experience Programme. Getting to and from would have required…
2nd degree with student loan
I have just completed my first degree which I self funded for and I am now looking at doing a 2nd degree in computer science and looking to get a student loan (Computer science is one of the 3 degrees you can get a loan for a second degree) Lots of people have been telling me to think hard about it cause all the rules have…
MSE News: Student loans repayment threshold discussed in Parliament – but petition co
The Government's U-turn on a promise to increase the threshold of student loan repayments has been debated in Parliament...Read the full story: 'Student loans repayment threshold discussed in Parliament – but petition could spark bigger debate' Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.…
Withholding my qualification
I took a higher qualification with a small institution. At the beginning of the summer I asked for a final balance owing for fees, they told me in writing and duly paid the sum I owed. Several months later they requested a further payment before they would release my certificate and said it is for outstanding fees. Can the…
Beware HSBC latest "important changes"
Just received HSBC's latest updated "important changes to personal banking terms etc etc" Page 5 paragraph 2 - Student Bank Account - "We've changed the eligibility criteria for a student bank account such that, to open an account in the UK, you need to be 18 years old or over, be studying (or have been accepted to begin…
Student finance threatening me with a penalty, need help.
Feeling quite anxious about this although I feel I’ve done nothing wrong. I was badly injured after university and spent awhile on ESA while undergoing several surgical procedures. I cancelled my ESA when a gift from my parents to help me pay for private surgery brought me over the savings threshold. I was then contacted…
Assessed as international student?
I'm starting my PGCE this Sep and was asked to complete a fee assessment, the uni has just decided I'm an International student because I wasn't an ordinary citizen. I'm just wondering whether I can appeal this under temporary employment abroad and whether my PGCE bursary (secondary physics) depends on the Uni or SFE? I…
NHS Degree 2017. Has all financial help been stopped?
Hi. My partner is about to start her access course this September. With the intention of starting her degree next September. We have been looking into course fees and what bursaries are available. We have come to realise that the government have stopped the bursaries and grants for NHS Degree starting in 2017. She is 34.…
NHS Degree 2017. Has all financial help been stopped?
Hi. My partner is about to start her access course this September. With the intention of starting her NHS degree next September. We have been looking into course fees and what bursaries are available for the NHS degree. We have come to realise that the government have stopped the bursaries and grants for NHS Degree…
Warning: council tax liability before term starts.
As a warning to others. If you start renting a private house before the start date of your course, you won't be classified as a student until the start date. So will have a council tax liability for time from the start of the tenancy until the first day of term. My son got caught out by this for the time between his degree…
EU national eligibility
Hi everyone. I'm EU national and continuously live in Scotland since September 2013. I've started 2-year HND course in August 2015 after working here full-time for nearly 2 years. For this course I was eligible to only have my tuition fees covered by SAAS as I haven't been a UK resident for 3 years prior to the start of my…
College course fees refund
Hi, does anyone know what my rights are regarding getting a refund on college fees? I enrolled on an Assessing course in 2015 and at the interview the college stated they would provide me with learners to assess, which was necessary to complete the course. Several months into the course the college then informed they were…
Multiple overdraft accounts instead of loan (postgraduate) - anyone done this?
Hello, Instead of a career development loan of 10k which you start paying back at 10% annualised interest rate straight after graduation I was thinking of perhaps obtaining multiple postgraduate account with max overdraft limits (2k). My credit ratings are very good. If anyone has done this I would like to hear about it.…
Can anyone help with Childcare Grant, Upset!
Hi i have had my award through and am shocked how little my award is. Income is £14726.00 for the year and average weekly cc is £134.00 per week for two children. Can anyone please help with the calcs etc.
student bank accounts
Hi, as anyone started to look for a student bank account yet? Any recommendations? TIA
2013/14 Error by SLC after 'exchanging' info with HMRC
I am taking this up with SLC direct but want to post about a fundamental error in process by SLC. Parents provided evidence to SLC to assess income. Loan amount communicated to student. SLC reviewed decision and decided parents had twice the declared income (incorrect). Informed student of cut in loan amount. Student does…
SLC Unemployment Evidence
Hello great MSEs, I have just received a letter from the Student Loans Company from my 2007 loan asking me what my current circumstances are after HMRC have informed them that I am no longer in employment. It says that, if I am 'not in employment', which is my current situation, then I need to submit to them evidence of…
Public sector discount
I'm a newly qualified teacher and I've heard lots around the benefits and discounts I'm entitled to. I can't seem to find any information online around who offers discounts and how exactly you go about claiming them. Any help would be appreciated.
Best account for an MA student in credit!
So - here's an unusual situation. Have brought my daughter up to be a MSE fan, and she's just completed an undergraduate degree with a student loan, but no overdraft. In fact, between working, saving and a small legacy from grandparentsm she has accrued about £18,000! She's going on to a fully-funded MA, and will receive a…
OU degree and funding via +24 loan
I am looking to apply for the OU Health and social care degree. I will also be applying for funding via a +24 loan for this. My question is do I take the funding out for the entire degree in one go (which would be a huge loan as the entire course is 340 credits) or do I only apply for the amount of credits I do per year? I…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Student MoneySaving

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