Postgraduate - Lost in financial world

FunkeyPhysics

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I'm sorry if this topic has been addressed elsewhere but I couldn't find it using the search function.

I graduated in July last year and have been unable to gain employment. In September I am starting a funded doctorate that includes a stipend payment. The only problem is that I'm based in Manchester and the research is based near Bristol. This means I'm going to need money for a deposit, relocation and living expenses for a few weeks(I estimate this at around £1000). I approached Barclays and the Co-op bank who told me they wouldn't lend me money to cover this.

I'm hoping someone here can offer me direction of what to try next. I've never had a credit card and I'm thinking that might be the way forward.

Thank you!

Funkey Physics

asajj

Is it possible to find a job for the next 1-2 months or ask family to lend you some money?
You may try to sell some of your unwanted items to get a bit money as well.

tomtontom

I'd approach your careers advice service for help with job seeking. A graduate in Manchester should not be out of work for that length of time, it sounds like you could do with some assistance.

Voyager2002

Congratulations on getting a place for a funded PhD: a far bigger deal than getting most graduate jobs!

Check the date on which the first instalment of your stipend is payable, and arrange your house-hunting activities for immediately after this.

In the meantime, you should be able to pick up casual work (behind a bar or similar) and earn enough for your train ticket. Alternatively, if you have been claiming JSA for a fair amount of time ask at your Jobcentre: there is a fund controlled by the manager that can be used to meet the essential expenses of starting work.

NoGoodNamesLeft

Congratulations - a funded PhD is amazing!
Can you get an overdraft or 0% credit card? Not ideal, but if you pay it off with your first stipend payment you wouldn't need to pay ny charges.

Another option is a short-term job. Places like McDonalds are often desperate for staff and it would only be for a little while.

Best of luck with your PhD