New here

3nicky1

I've come across these forums when looking for meal plans as I've come to the point where I'm going to have to drop out of uni if I cant sort my debts. I only have 6 months to go and I'm doing my dream course to be a mental health nurse so I dont wanna leave.

Thought id introduce myself here and give a bit of the scale of things cos I think I'm going to need some encouragement -

I got into a lot of debt at 18/19 from spending money to fund an eating disorder, I'm sure this sounds ridiculous to many but you'd be seriously surprised the amount of food a bullimic can eat. I was slowly managing to pay this off and started my course a couple of years later, I'd set out a relaistic budget for me and my partner to live on but when we split up i buried my head in the sand and borrowed and borrowed to be able to afford to live. And I wasn't an angel I spent way more than i had on non-essentials and I've never learnt how to properly cook or work out meal plans.

Currently I'm looking for a job, even with cutting back my repayments won't be made. Any tips here would be much appreciated - I need t be able to fit work around the three month placements I do for my course.

I know I need to change my ways, I don't want to leave my course and don't want to enter the working world with only debt to pay off and not even be able to enjoy my new found wealth also the stress of the debt is making my mental health (and my grades) slide.

On the plus side I have a job interview tommorrow, I'm applying for an access to learning fund although i dont think it's likely to go through and im meeting with my bank and student support people so im no longer head in the sand-like.

Also I've found this site and I'm going to learn to cook (luckily I live alone and noone will be subjected tothis) !

LilacPixie

Welcome to the board. There is a sticky up near the top for a full SOA. That is usually a good place to start.

mum2one

welcome to the board as well, def agree with the SOA (statement of affairs - incomings v outgoings) and then hopefully somewhere along the line we can find ways for you to reduce your outgoings in a nice way.

Well done on the course, and only 6 months to go you have done brilliantly. xx

depressed_but_determined

Hey. welcome to MSE! I am in exactly the same boat as you. I was bulimic from the age of 16 and used the credit cards to hide the eating disorder from my other half. I am 25k in debt with nthing to show for it! How do you tell people you threw up 25k!!!!:eek:

I have to say since I started coming on here and sorting things out my health and my relationship is 100% better. I only got married in October and had to confess all to my lovely new husband in December.

I reallyhope you don't have to drop out, is there any grants or bursaries you can apply for at your college or uni?

Stay positive, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

xxx

Cherry1

Hello 3nicky1,

Firstly, have you got any support around your eating disorder? You didn't mention it but sounds like you may benefit from it. I have found that this will impact on everything else so even if it's talking to get emotional support or feedback that may help you feel more positive and able to make clear plans. Sounds like you're doing that by reaching out to student support so hope they can help. Have you spoken to your GP?

Being in debt is so stressful it stinks! Your college should be supportive if you've only got 6 months to go though.

Unfortunately, starting off in the world of work in debt is a status most people are in but if you can accept that you're building on good foundations then you'll be able to make longer term goals to achieve where you want to be. At least with a monthly wage (hopefully), you can start to pay off the debts. You can control how you manage your current debt but you can't control the amount cos it's already there. Obvious but I needed that pointing out to myself after stressing too much and wasting energy.

Are you taking on too much? I don't mean in any way that because you have experienced difficulties you can't cope. I mean are you being honest and realistic? Would a year out of college enable you to work to pay off some debt so you feel more in control? Maybe you could gain employment where they'd be more flexible with you taking off three months now and again if you were on a temp contract?

No easy answers but every single day you need to do something that is going towards your goal so good luck with your job interview and keep asking for help. It's exhausting I know but you must ask as it won't be offered.

beanielou

Look forward to seeing your SOA.
Have you applied to your uni's hardship fund.

BluePumpkin

Can you get a student loan at all? I know it is another form of debt, and it might not be in the spirit of DFW, but it was the only way that I was able to pay my way through university. As the repayments are so low, I don't consider it an urgent debt to pay off, but more of a graduate tax. If that option isn't available/suitable, then there are probably other bursaries available through your uni.

I found that working in the evening was a good way of helping pay for uni- I worked in call centres and most had a 5pm-9pm shift or similar. So it isn't too late and I still managed to fit studying in during the day. When things got busy they were good enough to let me do weekend shifts instead. Is that something you could look into? Although working weekends while on a placement would make you very busy, it would help to pay things off more quickly!

LilacPixie

AFAIK nursing type courses are not eligible for a student loan, they get bursaries instead

Merlinexcalibur

Regarding the student loan. I was under the impression you didn't HAVE to start paying it off until you earned a certain amount per month. Until that time you get it deferred. I should know I've been deferring now for over 10 years. Unfortunately, most people are in debt for life purely for getting themselves a good education when said and done.

When you say you are 'bullimic?' Is that a diagnosis by someone medical? Just curious because you don't mention that anywhere.

skysky69

Just a welcome hello and to say well done on beating your demons. It must be very hard admitting to people where your debt arises from. This boards are a bible for moneysaving hints and tips - only problem is they are slightly addictive.....

3nicky1

Thank you for the lovely (and helpful) replies I will definitely have a look at this SOA.
With regards to the eating disorder it’s a relief to know I’m not the only one in the situation depressed_but_determined, I hope you are getting the support you need.
I didn’t really make it clear but I was diagnosed and treated a couple of years back so this is no longer really an issue but the remaining debt is eek.
Bluepumpkin – I’m not eligible for student loans as I get an NHS bursary but I have applied to the uni’s access to learning fund but have yet to hear because I have only just done this. Call centre work is a good idea for me to look into though I will hve a scout round for this.