Full Time Student - advice needed please!

DebtFreeASAP

Hey all

I'm a student in my 30s starting my first year full time at uni. I'm currently employed and am trying to clear my debts. I work 2 jobs (PA) and have been trying to get out of debt. I've finally gotten into the degree that I am passionate about, and although it's only two days weekly for now, it will increase dramatically by next semester as I will be on placements etc. I will have to give up my main job, which means a loss of £700 per month. My other job pays £400, so I will still have that income (weekend job).

I was confident about my plan to make money off of Ebay etc, and even find an evening job - whatever it takes, but now that I've actually started the course and know I may have to resign in a few months, I'm getting scared. I am married and have a young son to support. We live from paycheck to paycheck as it is, and this would mean three years of serious frugal living for me, just to pay my monthly bills. I don't want to give up this degree cause it's my key to a career I enjoy and also better salary.

My husband thinks I'm a nutcase for doing this degree, as he says he cannot afford to take on my bills. He is thinking of the NOW, but I am seeing life in three years and how it can change OUR lives. I will be miserable if I have to give up this degree. I am very determined to make money any way possible to support myself while I study - but I need ideas!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

libbyc3

don't know what dergee your doing, I've just started social work in much the same position as you. We don't have outstanding debts but I will have to give up one of my 2 jobs fairly soon i think so i can keep up with the demands of the course. this is scaring me witless but at the moment i'm not thinking about it and will carry on working as long as i can.
don't have much advice - just some virtual support - i've digested most of this site and forums and am just gonna try and cut back as much as i can. neither am i worried about getting into as much student debt as i possibly can!
it will be worth it in the end!

DebtFreeASAP

libbyc3 wrote: »

don't know what dergee your doing, I've just started social work in much the same position as you. We don't have outstanding debts but I will have to give up one of my 2 jobs fairly soon i think so i can keep up with the demands of the course. this is scaring me witless but at the moment i'm not thinking about it and will carry on working as long as i can.
don't have much advice - just some virtual support - i've digested most of this site and forums and am just gonna try and cut back as much as i can. neither am i worried about getting into as much student debt as i possibly can!
it will be worth it in the end!

Hi, I'm a social work student also! :beer:.
Thanks for your support, my financial commitments eat up most of my salary, I don't get to save much but I am trying to sell off anything I don't need just to get by.

Where are you studying?

welf_man

Have you had your student finance figures through yet? You should get as least as much from the Student Loan and NHS Bursary as you'll lose from your main job, and depending on your household income and childcare needs there may be additional help.

Mel.

DebtFreeASAP

I haven't gotten my Student Finance/Bursary figures yet, it's taking a while. At least the student finance will go towards fees, but I may not get the full amount and will have to pay the difference.

Racking my brain thinking of ways to make some money!

welf_man

Why would you not get the full Tuition Fees paid? Are they more than £3225?

You need to make sure you contact the Tax Credits people as soon as you start Uni, to make sure things are recalculated.

I really don't think you need to be worrying too much as you should get over £9000 in Loan and Bursary, and only lose £8400 from work.

Mel.

Rosie10_2

I'm in a similar situation and was during my first time at uni. I worked full time during the whole 3 years the first time but I really do not want to this time especially as the course is much heavier this time (first course business studies and professional culinary arts, i'm starting complementary medicine on monday). I'm going to try things like Avon/Betterware as you can make money when it suits you as hours are flexible and you work from home. I will need a weekend job too though but this way the two wont clash. I also suggest cancelling anything non essential eg Sky subscriptions and working out a realistic budget so you are aware of exactly what you really do need to pay out over the month. Don't be precious when shopping i.e use budget brands, shop around for goods and services you pay for to get the best deals like insurances, gas/electric etc and scour the internet for student deals which could save you considerable amounts. If you can manage with one less car (if this applies) do so as you can get student discounts for public transport of all types. Work full time during holidays when you can doing seasonal work that will take the pressure off during term time. If you have any skills that you could use to make money do so by setting up your own business, which isn't as stressfull as it sounds as I did it for 2 years. Keep it simple though! I did celebration cakes/party items and it got too big to handle to be honest but was great for extra cash.

I hope this helps! Best of luck with everything!

libbyc3

I'm at chelmsford - induction week last week and now v v scared!!! although i know someone who finished the sw degree 3 years ago and she worked 30 hours per week in first year and 16 in years 2 and 3 so it can be done!

DebtFreeASAP

welf_man wrote: »

Why would you not get the full Tuition Fees paid? Are they more than £3225?

You need to make sure you contact the Tax Credits people as soon as you start Uni, to make sure things are recalculated.

I really don't think you need to be worrying too much as you should get over £9000 in Loan and Bursary, and only lose £8400 from work.

Mel.

I was told that the tuition fees are means tested, and because of my husban'd salary I probably wouldn't get the whole fee paid. It's been a nightmare trying to contact student finance as i only get a recorded message before the call disconnects.

DebtFreeASAP

libbyc3 wrote: »

I'm at chelmsford - induction week last week and now v v scared!!! although i know someone who finished the sw degree 3 years ago and she worked 30 hours per week in first year and 16 in years 2 and 3 so it can be done!

I had my induction this week also and I am scared but excited about it. I can't wait to get stuck in...but I might regret saying that in a couple months LOL.:D. Excited though.

I will work as long as I can, and as many hours as I can to put some money away. It's very hard though, as I have debts i need to get rid of.

DebtFreeASAP

Rosie10 wrote: »

I'm in a similar situation and was during my first time at uni. I worked full time during the whole 3 years the first time but I really do not want to this time especially as the course is much heavier this time (first course business studies and professional culinary arts, i'm starting complementary medicine on monday). I'm going to try things like Avon/Betterware as you can make money when it suits you as hours are flexible and you work from home. I will need a weekend job too though but this way the two wont clash. I also suggest cancelling anything non essential eg Sky subscriptions and working out a realistic budget so you are aware of exactly what you really do need to pay out over the month. Don't be precious when shopping i.e use budget brands, shop around for goods and services you pay for to get the best deals like insurances, gas/electric etc and scour the internet for student deals which could save you considerable amounts. If you can manage with one less car (if this applies) do so as you can get student discounts for public transport of all types. Work full time during holidays when you can doing seasonal work that will take the pressure off during term time. If you have any skills that you could use to make money do so by setting up your own business, which isn't as stressfull as it sounds as I did it for 2 years. Keep it simple though! I did celebration cakes/party items and it got too big to handle to be honest but was great for extra cash.

I hope this helps! Best of luck with everything!

Thank you - and trust me i will be following your lead and cutting back on everything I can.

Good luck with your course also!