how do you live off student loans if it all goes on rent

The_One_Who

^^ I'm sorry but with a combined income of £80-100k there is no way you should get the same as someone with a parental income of less than £18,000. My family struggle to make ends meet and there is no way they can afford to give me anything. I have to buy everything for myself. I still have to work and don't live in luxury at all.

Oldernotwiser

The_One_Who wrote: »

Sadly not. If I studied in England SAAS would pay tuition to the amount of that in Scotland and I would need to cover the rest (unsure if I would get a different loan for this) and maximum living costs would still be £4,500.

That's not what it says on the SAAS website www.student-support-saas.gov.uk It says you can take out a loan to cover the difference in cost of fees and although the Outside Scotland bursary will only reduce your student loan, there is an additional grant for young students and also extra help with travelling costs. All of this is obviously means tested on your parents' income but the total, if you're eligible, comes very close to the amounts I quoted.

melancholly

in an ideal world, university choice would have nothing to do with money, but that's just not reality.

but plenty of people with 'proper grown up jobs' can't buy regular new clothing or have days out either.... you can eat very well on a low budget - just have a look on the old style board for ideas! although i understand the sentiment of your post, comments suggesting that you should have to change your personality to mean you won't go out as often come across as a bit daft..... you can go out without spending a fortune and everyone has to live within their means - that's what happens in the big wide world!

it's also increasing important for graduates to have some sort of work experience - be that a part time job during uni or summer holiday work - since so many people have degrees, you need that to step ahead. i think more students need to look at university as an opportunity to learn rather than a big social event...... the balance is so far towards having fun that it's a bit scary - the academic part should be a major feature!

Oldernotwiser

Your parents earn the sort of income that most people would kill for and the fact that they choose not to help you is entirely their decision. How you can be envious of fellow students from low income backgrounds beats me, as does the fact that you think that you should receive the same level of support just because your parents have priorities other than your education.

Living costs should never be the main reason for university choice but people use various criteria to narrow down their choices and this could be one of them. Your attitudes reflect your privileged background and will not be appropriate for others less fortunate.

Oldernotwiser

melancholly wrote: »

more students need to look at university as an opportunity to learn rather than a big social event...... the balance is so far towards having fun that it's a bit scary - the academic part should be a major feature!

And that's not to forget the opportunities to do voluntary work, get involved in the student newspaper or radio station or to be active in various societies. These sort of experiences are very valuable to future employers and are really essential to getting the most out of the university experience.

Rikki

asb23uk wrote: »

I personally feel the system of Student loans is flawed. I myself am about to start my second year and i receive the minimum 75% loan of around 3400, last year of which all had to go on rent and this year i will have around 300 left over after rent.

Do you have to pay bills or are they included in your rent?

melancholly

asb23uk wrote: »

Food for students should not have to be comparable to that of a third world country standard and common misconceptions that this is acceptable for a student is wrong!!

just re-reading this and you should be aware that you sound a little spoilt - i'm sure that isn't your intention but that's how it comes across.

i think it is this comment that really got me - the fact that you choose to go out a lot and not leave money for food is your call. it is bordering on offensive to say that in your student house, with electricity, gas and running water, with a low budget due to socialising that it is 'unfair' that your food is of a third world standard.

learn to cook, learn to budget - grow up

(and that sounds a lot harsher than i intended)

asb23uk

The_One_Who wrote: »

^^ I'm sorry but with a combined income of £80-100k there is no way you should get the same as someone with a parental income of less than £18,000. My family struggle to make ends meet and there is no way they can afford to give me anything. I have to buy everything for myself. I still have to work and don't live in luxury at all.

This is a ridiculous comment only knowing the limited detail I have gone in to about their earnings. They have made a decision to not fund my university studies be it because they cant afford to or because they don't want to, so how does that make me different to someone like yourself from a lower earning family background?? I get zero from my family just like you though you will infact have more money from loans and grants next year than i will?? Tell me why that is right? I have to work just like you if not more? I have paid for virtually everything i own for the last 8 ish years?

Oldernotwiser

Even though many of us are older I think that we have all been students at one time or the other, even if we aren't at present. I've been a student in 5 different institutions covering a span of over 30 years (the last time within the past 10 years) and it gives you a good overall view on student life.

melancholly

asb23uk wrote: »

TI have to work just like you if not more?

but you don't want a part time job as it will interfere with your party lifestyle........that's not an attitude that will get any sympathy?

yes the system is flawed and some people win while others don't do so well. but there aren't any 'losers' from the system.