Difficult Financial Situation

AntP

Here's the situation. I've just started the 4th year of an MEng degree. I got a first for the BSc part. So far this term I have spent a week at uni and two weeks at home as I have a close family member who is terminally ill and has recently deteriorated quite drastically. For this reason, among others, I am not very motivated to continue on my course. If I do continue - and do poorly - I could jeopardise my grades (the master's year is a top-up year and not a separate course so I haven't yet graduated).

I haven't yet registered on my course because this will commit me financially; however, without the student loan I will gain through registering I cannot pay the 4-month rental contract (about £1300 in total) on my new flat (which I have no desire to return to). On top of this, I've just been hit with a council tax bill for another £500, which I will have to pay unless I register and can prove I am a student.

At the moment, it seems my only option is to register on the course, receive the finance to pay my dues (including around £1000 pro rata course fees for registering until December) and then drop out once I have been enrolled long enough to receive sufficient finance to cover my rent/tuition.

I was wondering if anyone else is aware of an alternative route that doesn't involve me enrolling on a course for two months just to receive the yet more student loans, with the specific intention of dropping out as, obviously, this is a fairly messy (and possibly illegitimate) financial plan.

Any advice appreciated.

MrsManda

Is there any way you can get someone else to take your place at the flat?
If not it may be worth speaking to the landlord and explaining the situation - you never know he may be understanding and let you break the lease agreement.

AntP

I don't really have time to find a replacement tenant as I have to register with uni by next week, after which point I am committed to paying the course fees and will have to play the rather expensive "drop out in December" route.

I've already spoken to the Landlord (the property is owned by an estate agent) and they agreed to bring the contract term down from 6 months to 4 (as in the OP), though I still have to speak with them to confirm that this is going ahead.

melancholly

speak to your department immediately about your extenuating circumstances. you may be able to put your studies on hold for a year. if your LL is a student LL, the uni may be able to give advice.

another option is to try and manage on the course this year. how much work is there right now and can you get extended deadlines for any coursework? that way you have time to concentrate on your family right now, which seems like the right thing to do, but later in the year you could continue.

finally, contact the uni counselling service - they will be able to help give you some support away from all the issues of the course and finance.

silvercar

I think that if you don't live there, you can't be hit for council tax.

The uni must have a hardship fund.

Consider if you drop out this year and enrol next, what the tuition fees maybe. Will this count as a new enrol with the £9000 tuition fees?