Reclaiming charges from my University for unpaid tuition fees DD?

JoeA81

Hi, I just thought I would ask if anyone thinks this is worth pursuing.

Back in my 3rd year of Uni in 2004 I opted to pay my tuition fees in two installments of just over £500 by direct debit, the first was in September 2003 when I started my year, and the second was in Feb 2004.

Of course I forgot all about it and didnt have enough overdraft left in Feb, so the payment was refused. I got a £30 charge from barclays which I am pursuing, but the Uni also charged me £45 for not paying them through the DD! Is this fair?

I am not sure if these new rules allowing us to claim back charges only relate to banks, but could I contact the Uni and ask if this charge was fair reflection of the cost to them, and if I could have a refund? (minus the true cost to them of course).

Anyone else thought about this?

P.S. I should note that as soon as I realised my mistake I paid the tuition fee in full a couple of days later (along with this £45 charge).

Blacksheep1979

You should be able to get it back, but if you are still at uni I would leave it till you graduate.

JoeA81

Its OK I graduated in 2005!

Cool, maybe I will look into this...