Lonesome Student

jjwicks

Hey everyone,

I've found this site unbelievably helpful although I've not found anything which matches my situation 100%.

Just finished my first year at university started when I was 22, after working and supporting myself since leaving 6th form at 18.

I shared a house with my brother, as my parents passed away when I was doing my GCSEs, now I'm due to live with friends whom I've met at university and have a PT job to help support the times when I won't be receiving any Loans/Grants.

Does anyone know what I am entitled to, as I receive the full tuition fees, full maintenance loan (£3,497) and maintenance grant (£2,906).

I hate to sound greedy, but I want to ensure I'm getting everything I am entitled to.

Thanks guys.

JJ.

Lokolo

That is all you are entitled to from Student Finance England. You may be able to get a bursary from your university.

But yes, it does sound greedy.

ty234

You definitely don't sound 'greedy' to me at all.

people had to learn their skills to survive in this 'modern world' . It's always good to ask around, you never know what you miss and regrets later.

To work and study is generally hard. .. maybe you could find some grants and built up from there...sometimes you have no choice but to stop working while you have to take important examinations etc, so bare in mind about that, there would be no income to support you and no one to lean on. And you have to do it until you graduate and waiting to get a job etc. so save every penny for rainy day.

Make sure get the most of your student free overdraft and manage it wisely.

it's so sad your parents passed away. You sound very mature and take good care of yourself and your life. Good for you!

johnswife

I agree, you don't sound greedy. Good luck!

xrjtg

jjwicks wrote: »

Does anyone know what I am entitled to, as I receive the full tuition fees, full maintenance loan (£3,497) and maintenance grant (£2,906).

I hate to sound greedy, but I want to ensure I'm getting everything I am entitled to.

It certainly used to be the case that anywhere that charged the maximum fees (practically everywhere) had to provide a bursary of at least £300 to anyone in receipt of the full maintenance grant. So it's definitely worth checking that you aren't missing out on something from your university.

rosalie-lavender

You don't sound greedy to me either.

I agree with the last poster that said check whether you are entitiled to any bursaries from the university. My eldest son is at university and my youngest is hoping to go in September. My eldest recieves a bursary because he is entitled to the full maintenance grant and both universities my youngest has chosen offer a similar bursary, although the amounts vary. My son had to tick the box on the student finance form allowing them to share information with the university and it said that was to do with bursaries.

Helix

Bursaries generally don't get processed until much much later, so its normal for them not to be detailed with your other finance. My Uni doesn't send letters out for bursaries until after Christmas.

MrsManda

Like other posters have said you should've received a grant/bursary from your university. If you didn't get one during your 1st year it may be because you didn't give permission on your student finance application for the SLC to pass your financial details to your university.
It's worth checking your application and also having a look on your university website as it should have details of what grants they provide so that you can receive one for your 2nd year.
It may be possible to get it backdated for your 1st year but that will involve having a discussion with your university's student support/finance office.

There are private/charitable grants you may be able to apply for but these are highly competitive and have differing criteria. It may be worth having a look at the grant search below
http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1403

jjwicks

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words..

The choice of going to university was an easy one, the fact I could actually do it took more time. To answer some questions, because I am from Cornwall and also study here, I get a bursary, which is done with the bursary which is dependant on your maintenance loan. So yes, I do get this. As you've said, this isn't until early next year (2012)


I'll check out family action, no harm in trying.

Thank you again everyone!

JJ

shouldbeshot

jjwicks wrote: »

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words..

The choice of going to university was an easy one, the fact I could actually do it took more time. To answer some questions, because I am from Cornwall and also study here, I get a bursary, which is done with the bursary which is dependant on your maintenance loan. So yes, I do get this. As you've said, this isn't until early next year (2012)


I'll check out family action, no harm in trying.

Thank you again everyone!

JJ

Have you looked at EGAS and looked to see if you can get a charitable grant. You might find a charity who "specialise" in orphans ie only give grants to orphans....

harrinngton31

In some cases you can apply for a hardship grant from the student union. This is really designed as a last resort for those to continue education when they have 'overstretched' themselves financially during the year. Speak with your student union but be prepared to show bank statements and receipts to prove that you are in need of additional funds to continue education.also you are not guaranteed to get the grant,your situation has to be assessed!
Good luck though,and check out google for plenty of cheap meals!