Earn upto £3,500 for 30 minutes work!!! 'Access to Learning Fund'

Fang_3

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

Opening Post - 'I would seriously apply even if you think that your not that bad off as like I said they are desperate to give it away.'

So, Fang, forgive me for actually reading it and taking the advice.

You didn't read it that carefully. Note the date.

student_advisor

Fang wrote: »

I'm confused, surely the money should go to those in greatest hardship rather than a first come, first served free for all?

It does go to those in greatest need (based on standard assessment and also discretion), but is also first-come first serve as it's a finite pot of money that each institution is allocated.

The_One_Who wrote: »

The first post is also dated 2006. Times (and funding!) have changed a lot since then.

Yes, budgets have been squeezed year on year, more so for the coming year. A significant number of institutions run out of money well before the year end, despite still having students coming in dire financial circumstances.

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

TBH I should be fine at Uni, money will be tight, but not horrendous.

Then don't apply, save it for someone who actually needs it. It's not to make you nice and comfortable - I use it to help students who can't feed their kids...

Awards are made based on a tough household income assessment which is standard across the country (with an element of regional discretion). It is there to help with unforeseen and exceptional circumstances that occur during your course.

dmg24

I agree with the comments from student_advisor, fang et al. If you had been made redundant during your course, then it would be suitable to apply to the ALF. However, if redundancy occurs prior to starting uni, you have the opportunity to do something about it - either getting another job or deferring for a year.

Indie_Kid

Fang wrote: »

It is a nonsense that you can't move into halls. You can. Or you could get a much cheaper house share?

Halls are given to those who live the furthest away. Don't understand how that's "nonsense"?

dmg24

sh1305 wrote: »

Halls are given to those who live the furthest away. Don't understand how that's "nonsense"?

Most universities guarantee hall accom for first years.

Fang_3

sh1305 wrote: »

Halls are given to those who live the furthest away. Don't understand how that's "nonsense"?

Because most universities guarantee all first years a place in halls. Then there is private halls and as I've already mentioned houseshares available.

My point is that that poster may not be able to keep up her current lifestyle on the income of a student, and she shouldn't expect the university's ATL Fund to bail her out when she still could do many things to make her living more affordable.

The_One_Who

Some universities only guarantee accommodation to those first years whose home is outwith a certain boundary. I don't know if private halls (or even university halls!) are necessarily cheaper than private renting. Saying that, there are usually ways to make living cheaper such as moving into a cheaper flatshare.

GEEGEE8

Fang wrote: »

My point is that that poster may not be able to keep up her current lifestyle on the income of a student, and she shouldn't expect the university's ATL Fund to bail her out when she still could do many things to make her living more affordable.

That's your problem Fang, you presume far too much.

Keep my current lifestyle? What, paying my bills?

ATL fund to 'bail me out' - how rude. I'm not expecting anyone to bail me out thanks. I'm 27yrs old and old enough to plan for my expenses each month.

I will be getting a job once I know my hours at Uni.

Jeez - I read the opening post, thought I'd take the advice and now I'm being accused of being underhand in applying for something that I shouldn't and having a lifestyle that I can't afford and will need bailing out of. Give me a break!

I am quite used to sorting myself out thank you, and halls would be more expensive for me compared to my privately rented flat. Family live 150 miles away and it's just not practical as far as having to work during Uni and holidays.

rainbowfairydust

i am starting a degree with open uni. Will i be eligble to apply?

GEEGEE8

rainbowfairydust wrote: »

i am starting a degree with open uni. Will i be eligble to apply?

Not unless you are eating bread and soup for every meal and can't afford shoe's..

Otherwise, no I don't think you are eligible with Open Uni..