2nd Time Student Needs Advice

D.O.T.

Hi i'm 23 and have returned back to uni after dropping out a first time due to family issues

I've started a new course at NTU and and struggling severly with finances.

I've had to rent halls due to the issue i mentioned before, ive got an O/D at its limit and 2 Credit cards i'm managing the minimum payment on

My issue is with the job i'm working part time to pay the rent on a monthly basis i is not enough to maintain myself as well as study but i've missed a few due to having to pay out for course materials etc. When i received my first student loan payment it went to clear debts outstanding because i'm doing all i can to avoid defaulting on anything and it looks like i may have to do it again with the loan although if i do everything will be paid and i'll have to pull the tuition fees out of the sky.

I'm ineligible for 2 years worth of student grant because thats what they paid the first time.

I know for a fact my credit status is shot but i'm fighting to avoid it being totally irrepairable

Are there any grants, bursaries or general advice you can offer me to help me get myself together.

Thanks

annie-c

Hello DOT.

I work in a university and I would strongly advise you to make an appointment with your Student Services department. They will have trained finance advisors who will do their best to help you to find grants etc that you can apply for. Every university also has what are known as 'hardship funds' which can be allocated at the discreion of the University, so they may be able to help even if you don't qualify for conventional grants etc.

By this stage in your Uni course, it will be worth more to the University to keep you on than to let you go and they will do everything to keep you there (from a financial point of view as well as a moral one) so that you get your qualification and they get their funding.

Don't be embarassed about letting them know everything. They have seen it all before and their job is to help you. Student Services staff tend to be nice people.

Take care and try to enjoy the last couple of days before term starts again xx

MrsManda

Annie-c is right, get to your student services. That's what they're there for and they're really good at not only giving advice and helping you fill out relevant paperwork but they're usually also good at just being there as someone to talk to who understands.
I'd double check about not being eligible for the student grants etc... even though you have had them before. You are generally allowed one years grace if you fail/drop out for any reason. - 'In general, you’ll be entitled to financial help for the length of your course – plus, if necessary, one extra year to cover things like false starts and transfers.' - Direct.Gov
Plus if you had extenuating circumstances for dropping out the first time you may be able to get your LEA to fund the whole degree again.
I dropped out of my first degree due to illness after taking two years worth of funding, I have recently gone back and after much discussion and lots of letters with my LEA they are giving me full loans and grants to cover the entire 3 years of my degree.

D.O.T.

thanks to the both of you i'll be in touch with student services first thing on monday to book an appointment.