Utterly skint :/

caitlineclair

Hi there,
I'm mostly looking for advice. I've gone and gotten myself into a stupid situation. The short of it is I have a maxed out overdraft of 1600 and a student loan which falls about 100 quid short of rent.

The long of it is this. I've really never been in a bad situation with money before; I've sustained myself as long as I've been at uni, and this is the longest I've gone since I was 17 without working. I'm in third year now, and have worked full time both summers I've been at uni, and part time during term. After the summer, I didn't look for a job immediately- I was utterly exhausted, and had just come away from working all day 5 or 6 days in a remote place with my then boyfriend. I came back, struggled to readjust; my relationship broke down, my health hasn't been great and my heart wasn't really in my studies. I got extensions on all my coursework, due to symptoms of anxiety (I hate that I did this, but it really was necessary) and with everything that was happening, I didn't get a job and quickly ate through the money I'd saved and ended up in this debt.
I'm here by my own hand, I have no illusions about that, and it's my problem to get through I've managed to pay rent, but it's left me 50p short of my limit until my loan comes in, which will immediately have to go towards next months rent. I'm applying for work again, but to no avail so far, and I'm really uncomfortable not having anything to fall back on for the first time. My folks are wonderful, but they don't have the money to be subsidizing me, and I wouldn't want them to be if they did. My uni is really difficult with their hardship fund too.

Any advice just now would be so much appreciated. I need a plan of action

V_Chic_Chick

Your next installment of your loan will come in in about 10 days. When that comes in, it's going to be a case of budgeting - have you had a look for some student budgeting tools? There are lots available online.

DietIrnBru

You could try for hardship loans.

Also. Job wise. Try for care work - its not the most glamorous - but some areas have a high turnover of staff. Once you show your reliable then they often give a lot of shifts if you want them.

caitlineclair

Thank you so much for the replies guys,

V_Chic_Chick wrote: »

Your next installment of your loan will come in in about 10 days. When that comes in, it's going to be a case of budgeting - have you had a look for some student budgeting tools? There are lots available online.

I wish it was so But my loan doesn't even cover rent.

DietIrnBru wrote: »

You could try for hardship loans.

Also. Job wise. Try for care work - its not the most glamorous - but some areas have a high turnover of staff. Once you show your reliable then they often give a lot of shifts if you want them.

Aye, I'm gonna give the hardship fund a shot. I think they do it as a loan where I am was all, but it'd be something if I got it. The care thing is a great shout, do you know if I'd need particular qualifications to get into it?

The_Jakal

Contact your university and let them know about your situation.

It's not always possible but you can get an access to learning fund which can provide you with the money that you need to continue your studies.

Also, in the case of your parents, I don't know the situation although you have outlined the issue with asking them for money. However, I will say this...

If your parents earn above the limit so that you are not eligible for a bursary then they should be helping you in some way or another as the government suggests.

V_Chic_Chick

The_Jakal wrote: »

Also, in the case of your parents, I don't know the situation although you have outlined the issue with asking them for money. However, I will say this...

If your parents earn above the limit so that you are not eligible for a bursary then they should be helping you in some way or another as the government suggests.

Very true. It sounds as though you are getting the minimum loan. If that is the case, then your parents are earning more than £50k per year. If they say that they can't afford to give you some money, then they are either
a) living beyond their means, or
b) lying (and I have seen parents do this)

Yes, having a large mortgage is a lifestyle choice which can mean that people are living beyond their means. I'm sure they could use some MSE tips here to save money and give you the difference - switching their gas and electricity supplier, going for a cheaper hotel on holiday, not eating out so often.... any family on £50k has some disposable income.

I have every sympathy with you, but none whatsoever with your parents.

nimbo

My first piece of advice is get back within your overdraft limit - they will be charging you - potentially masses....

Ask a house mate - or your parent for a loan for the small amount (you said 50p).... Long term the interest free loan to a housemate will cost you less...

Being a third (if it is your last) year will get you higher prioity when it comes to funds.... even if they may say yes it will take a while....

How much is you months rent? - I'm about to get £1'500 loan through (counting the days)... And you said this would cover one MONTHS rent?????? If that is the case look for somewhere cheaper to live - that's astronomical...

in the mean time look at the old style board for how to eat for 50p a week (that's a little optimistic but you get the idea)... and sell sell sell on facebook (or ebay) - FB has the added benefit of no fees, or postage....

send off DVD's / CD's to music magpie / cex you won't get masses but you'll get something.... Have a massive clear out and weigh in old clothes.....

it's a real ball ache - but you need to find a way to bring in the pennies - I too have been unable to get a job, and am struggling (was lucky enough to get something this summer) - but have just realised that I'm not allowed to claim benefits this summer if I don't find any work... (Hope my landlord accepts buttons....

make up a SOA and see where you can cut back (I know easier said than done)... be brutal, and stay determined. you are so bloody close - and you will get through it's only a few months.....

caitlineclair

Thank you so much for your responses and support, I really, really appreciate it.

I'm in Scotland, so I get 200 a month for my loan. rent is 300. My folks have my three younger sibling to think about too, and a big mortgage, money's tight for them just now with it being just after Christmas too. They honestly do mean well, and they help where they can with food and clothes and stuff, but I feel this is something I'm kind of on my own with.

I'm just under my limit is what I meant I checked and I'm in it by 50p, not over! thank goodness

I have enough food to get by for the next week or so (Somehow I had the foresight to make a freezer full of meals about a month ago ) I also spent the last of my Christmas vouchers on a cheap camera, which I can use to sell some stuff on the internet. I have a bunch of old clothes and books which can go, and I'm gonna devote my evening to that tonight.

I also got a job interview tomorrow! But it's a couple of towns away and I have no idea where to get the train fare from (I'd borrow, but I'm alone up here just now as my flatmates and most of my friends are gone for Christmas) :P

I'm feeling a little bit more in control, I just hate not having a plan B. I was thinking about doing some busking at some point. Not that I'd expect to make my fortune with it, but it might be enough to make a difference

horsechestnut

It isn't an instant solution, but can you do surveys? Most pay in vouchers, but some do pay in cash when you have reached a certain amount.
Look on the Up Your Income Board for ideas.
Good luck
Another thought; Look on the Freebies Board every day. Again, not a fortune but you can get things like toothpaste, make-up creams and many free downloads.

frizz2

Hi there,
I do feel for you. Have you thought about doing babysitting? Do you have any friends with young children or your parents friends? When I was at UNI I did a lot of babysitting and once the children are in bed you can study. There might be some agencies you can register with, you will need a CRB but it could be worth it. Or even a cleaning job, it is only to tide you over a while. Be positive, you are doing the right thing in asking for advice,
good luck

V_Chic_Chick

Busking is a good idea - I have a friend who says that it is quite lucrative (far more so than bar jobs or surveys!)

Be aware, however, that some councils require busking licences (which are usually quite easy to get)