Two years at university at home

DarkConvict

If you haven't lived out of home before I do advise there is a bit of a shock factor.

My Uni placement last year was in Leatherhead, 200 miles from home so I had to rent. Mom was in tears when i left (last of 4 to leave) but im back now for a while for the 3rd year.

Jmoo

So if I was to take up the offer... The option probably would be that the £2906 student grant would be used for the rent of the accommodation and I would probably continue my part-time job at weekends (or get a job nearer university) to pay my way. I would then probably take out a loan for the tuition fees with Student Loans Company which would be about £3,200. I have a small amount of money left over to contribute to that. If I can raise some of that before September that will help a lot.

That would be how I would look at it. Whether I do so I don't know.

beanielou

I think its a great idea.
Less commuting/less stress/less tired.
Rent covered by grant.
No travelling costs.
Wee job to cover living costs.
Wee loan to cover tuition fees but check out if they might be covered if u move away from home.

poet123

As a parent I can see the positives of moving out, and would encourage you to do so. The amount of student debt you will incur is minimal in the scheme of things, and is far outweighed by the plus factors.

The University may have a bursary/hardship fund which would be available to you. Another point is that your parents do not actually have to know the in's and out's of your finances, if you assure them you can mange and intend to do so (whether that be by taking out the tuition loan/maintenence loan or by working)they need not know how you have achieved that ....if you get my drift.;)

As parents we sometimes find it hard to let go,and they may be factoring that into their reluctance tos upport your move.

I think you should go for it, good luck!

liamcov

If you live away from home you can also get a maintenance grant that you don't have to repay. The lower income of your family the more you can get, I think I get about £2000 a year so that should help you.

Ames

DLA and ESA are completely separate. DLA is for the care and/or mobility needs you have - I get higher rate DLA mobility because of the problems caused by my ME. As a minimum someone with ME should qualify for lower rate care, because of being unable to prepare a meal from scratch due to pain and fatigue. ESA is the new benefit for people unable to work due to disability, someone wouldn't qualify if they were a full time student. They may however get an income support top up if their income was below the minimum the government say you need to live on, I used to get it as my student loan didn't pay enough according to them. It's not a straightforward calculation though because they give you an allowance for books and things on top of the 'normal' living costs.

If you have a DIAL near you they're worth their weight in gold and will be able to help you get all the money you're entitled to, which could make it cheaper to live away than at home - there are premiums which you don't get if you live with family.

Oldernotwiser

You really should have educated your parents about the pros and cons of the student loan system because it sounds as if they have no understanding of it and imagine that it's similar to getting in debt for buying a car!

Having said that, it's not too late for you to use the student finance in the ordinary way for your final year and participate fully in university life.Do you realise that employers prefer people who have been active within the student community rather than those who have just done their studies and a part time job?

Horace

I think that you should sieze this opportunity with both hands - its an opportunity to gain some sort of independence because you can't live at home for ever. Also, you're into your final year and this year is the hardest because you will be spending hours in the library, you don't want to be fretting about catching buses at all hours or worrying about how you're going to get home. I notice that another poster has mentioned going into Halls - I don't think you will be able to do that as most universities allow first years into halls and then they are expected to move out into rented accommodation.

On the jobs front - ask at the HR Dept at the university as they may have a peri system in place and you may just pick up some temp work that way especially if you can type.

Do as Ames suggests and contact DIAL to see if you can get some DLA and it may also help you to talk to the disability officer at your University (there will be one).

Remember with the house share that you make sure that when you sign any agreement that you are not held responsible for all the bills should someone move out, just be sure that you are responsible for your share...I have seen folks on here who have been caught out.

Good luck with your studies and hope you make the right decision and move out.

Ames

Just to add to what Horace said, make sure it's not a joint tenancy - if it is then you're all liable for all the rent - so if noone else pays you'll have to pay for everyone!

zcrat41

Hey,
Sounds like you've got lots of thinking to do. I'm just about finishing paying off my student loan 7 years after graduating. One thing I'd ask is what are you studying and what kind of career is it going to lead too? Student loans are pretty easy to pay back on decent salaries but a bit tougher with the not quite so well paid jobs.

The three things that struck me were
1) I had to work my backside off in 3rd year and would have struggled without being able to focus.
2) I would never have had so much fun. I never would have drunk champagne watching lunchtime Neighbours to celebrate finishing my exams, had random yet excellent house parties that involved dancing in pajamas to Steps, or drunk cocktails at the Purple Turtle on a Monday just because you can.
3) I learnt to budget

Yes, some of number 2 might seem a bit irreverent but I learnt a lot about life at Uni, not just my degree and had a hell of a lot of fun doing so, made some great friends and still have stories to giggle at.

Good luck whatever you decide

ZC