Mature Lone Parent Student here wants advice

black-saturn

I want to start a 2 year full time course in september in Travel and Tourism. However, I've just been given a list of course, book and exam fees and they are :eek: to say the least.

So my question is being a lone parent on benefit can I get any help with these fees?
Would I still get the same benefits as I'm getting now?

Thanks

Yorkielass

Phone the college and ask - I know the college here gives people on benefits a reduction in fees, some are 50% off I know that.

There should be someone at the college who can answer your questions and tell you what happens with benefits, childcare help if you need it etc.

Regarding books don't go out and buy lots - if possible find out what you'll really need, do you know anyone who is already doing the course? talk to the course leader and ask honestly. Find out if there's a library you can borrow from, wait until you actually need a book then see you can share with people on the course and also if you do buy any books check out amazon marketplace/ebay etc first.

My final thing with books is don't forget that it might be a course leader who has written/contributed to some of the books - therefore it's in their interest to make you buy a new book. I've seen this happen in schools, colleges and at universities something to consider...

Good luck with your course

pavlovs_dog

i second yorkielass' advice about books - often you may only need a chapter from th books they suggest - much cheaper to photocopy the relevant pages than shell out on something you will hardly use

keep your eyes peeled for book bargains on amazon, ebay and local charity shops. i have found key texts for my course in my local oxfam bookshop barely used and a fraction of what they should have cost.


other advice- never buy stationery from a stationers, they will rob you blind. you'll get all your basics from the tescos/asda value range and they do the job just fine.

never buy pens for taking notes - there are forever promo fayres at uni for one thing or another, and trust me - you'll never need buy another pen again

get your student discount card, take it everywhere with you, never be afraid to ask if places do student discount, as you'll often be surprised. all those 10%s soon start to add up, especially if you add it to your PMS fund so it isnt just swallowed up.

apply for all funding, even if you are only remotely eligible, as every little helps.

try to build up a contingency fund, even if itsonly a small one. theres nothing like an unexpected expense to completely !!!!!! up your budget for the rest of the term. even if you only save £2.50 a week between now and september, thats an emergency fund of around £70.

be aware that the first term is always the most expensive, and there will always be something you need that you hadnt thought of.


organisation is key. make sure you have a dedicated area where you can sit and study undisturbed (not easy with kids i'm sure), but you want somewhere safe to store your notes, books, coursework - last thing you want to find is that your little angel has used your essay as a canvas for their latest art project invest in a good lamp for lighting, a calendar/wall planner, and treat yourself to a nice notebook for tracking assignments etc (look out for bargains between now and then)

remember to have a little fun along the way, its easy enough to get bogged down with juggling uni work, paid work and family life, so i think your very brave (/mad ) for trying to do the best by your kids like this. but your important too, so dont forget it!

if you want any help, or have any queries, just holler...and my inbox is always open

good luck with it all

p_d

black-saturn

Thanks everyone for the advice.