Less money in 3rd year?

mrsvanderkamp_2

Hi, I have just received my offer for the next academic year and it's a lot less than I have had the past two years. I seem to recall seeing something before where you get less student finance in your final year - is this correct? If so, it'll be a real blow as I can't live on £3,000 a year - I really didn't want to work in my last year as I want to do as well as possible with my dissertation. My second year was really tough as I had two jobs and a close family member died, and my grades suffered as a result. I really wanted to give it 100% in the last year, but that will go out the window if I also have to work (I'm also a wife and mothe so have plenty of demands on my time ) Thanks for any help/advice.

Taiko

It's correct, with no exceptions.

If you're experiencing financial hardship, approach your university for additional support.

New_York_No1_fan

Taiko wrote: »

It's correct, with no exceptions.

If you're experiencing financial hardship, approach your university for additional support.

Is this the same for everyone in their final year?

and what happens as I have a younger son starting uni this year - will he get the same reduction? I understood that each child should receive the same allowances?

Person_one

Its because you technically stop being a full time student sometime in June of your third year so you are expected to support yourself a different way after that. In your first and second years the money has to last 12 months (September till September) but in the third year only 9 (September till June).

Fire_Fox

Welcome!

If you are a wife and mother then you presumably have more than £3K coming into the home over that nine month period? Is there any reason you cannot take out the student loan in order to top up the grant? Have you already taken advantage of the interest free overdraft facility many banks offer? Discount on council tax and cut price public transport? Are you aware you can claim Jobseeker's Allowance from June providing you are actively seeking paid employment and that, if you are already working part-time, you *may* be eligible for tax credits from June?

Do you know exactly what you have coming into your household home from wages, benefits, grants, loans and other student perks? And do you know exactly what you have going out each month, down to the last tenner? You may find the 2011 Frugal Living Challenge enlightening - it's worth noting that up to and including 2009 this was 'live on £4K for a year' for an entire family not including rent, mortgage or council tax.

jmd4eva

Yep, I've just finished my last year and got less than the previous years. I guess it might be because they know you will finish a month or 2 before, etc.