Living in Halls (partner + child at home)

anonamouse_2

Hiya ive gone anon for this but im looking for some advice, i am considering applying for uni (sept 12 entry) but the course i want to do is 100 miles away from my home. My partner does not really want to up sticks as he enjoys his job and we have a child.

I am considering staying in halls and commuting back when im not in uni and at weekends but what implications will this have financially. will my partner be able to get any help as we wont be living together?

obviously if we are still counted as a 'living together couple' this will not be financially possible.

btw there is no course in the area im interested in where i live.

Thanks

Anonamouse

bobajob_1966

You'll still be counted as a couple. Can you study by OU/ distance learning?

anonamouse_2

Hiya thanks for the reply, unfortunatly ou and distance are out of the question i believe its not possible due to the practical elements of the subject.

So for any benefits both incomes will be taken into account (obviously i will only recieve a student loan) even though i will be 100 miles away and having my own tenancy?

mum1964

So you are planning to leave your child and partner whilst you study. Are you sure you will be able to afford a 200 mile round trip every week.?

Oldernotwiser

What course do you want to do and for what purpose?

Person_one

You'll find halls an absolute nightmare. How old is the child? Will the degree lead to a good chance of stable employment that would be of benefit to your family? Does your partner know yet about your plans to leave to go to uni?

anonamouse_2

Person_one wrote: »

You'll find halls an absolute nightmare. How old is the child? Will the degree lead to a good chance of stable employment that would be of benefit to your family? Does your partner know yet about your plans to leave to go to uni?

Yes of course he knows, the course runs 3 - 4 days per week the rest i will be at home so im not 'leaving' and never looking back :A
What makes you think i will find halls an absolute nightmare?

Do you not think its ok for me to leave my child for 3 /4 days? i get the feeling your judging my choice. He will be starting school soon.

anonamouse_2

mum1964 wrote: »

So you are planning to leave your child and partner whilst you study. Are you sure you will be able to afford a 200 mile round trip every week.?

Yep already priced the traveling up so thats not an issue.

MrsManda

I think you are still going to be counted as a couple for benefits calculations as you are only living away for a few days a week on a temporary basis. Though it may be worth asking on the benefits board to check. Your partner may still be able to claim low income benefits but part of your student finance income will be taken in to account.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10034876

Your partner will get single person's discount on the Council Tax bill as students aren't counted.

Your student finance package will be based on your partner's income. You may be able to get a childcare grant and a parent's learning allowance on top of the standard package.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Typesoffinance/DG_171503

Just found this:

Living together and benefits - temporary absence
11070 A couple should not automatically be regarded as having stopped LTAHAW or LTACP just because of the temporary absence of one of the parties. When DMs determine whether LTAHAW1 or LTACP continues during a temporary absence, the reason for the absence is an important factor. Absences for the following reasons would not normally mean that the couple have stopped LTAHAW or LTACP
1. work;
2. a period as a hospital in-patient;
3. holiday;
4. visit to a relative(s);
5.higher education

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch11.pdf

LTAHAW - Living Together as husband and wife

Jessie11

Are you prepared to live with and share kitchens/possibly bathrooms with 18year olds? I started uni at 21 and found it difficult in halls my first year with everyone drinking and being ridiculously loud etc.

pinkduvetdiva

A lot of unis have hall blocks just for mature students / postgrads / those who just want a quieter life. I was in one of those last year, and hope to go back into halls for my last year.