Mature Student Open University Financial Help

bwesting

Thank you everyone for the further replies! Sorry, but it won't let me quote anyone just yet!

I absolutely will not be going for Universal Credit or anything similar or associated with it. I know how the government, and our local council, work regards to benefits and to be honest it would likely end up being more stressful. Plus you have the added stigma regards benefits that still sadly exists today which is something id rather not get involved with.

I was hoping to be able to study the degree full time and be done after 3 years but it appears that the only way I'm going to financially be able to do it is to work part-time and study the other half. Due to recent health issues, I was hoping I could focus on one thing, studying, and not have to work whilst doing so, but as per usual in this Country, the help and support are severely lacking.

I don't want to come across as being entitled or lazy, or that I expect everything for free.  I've worked hard in my life usually for a lower wage with no help from the Government due to not being entitled to any (because I'm working and £20k a year is enough to live on).

Anyway, sorry, rant over, before I really go off lol thank you very much to all who have replied, really appreciate you taking the time to do so!

You've all answered my question with the exact answer I was expecting but not wanting lol

Have a great day!

andrewmp

Have you considered studying at a physical university instead?  This way you'll get the full maintenance loan along with parents living allowance etc 

Depending on where you study, many universities are doing a hybrid method of study meaning in person contact hours are reduced.

bwesting

Thanks andrewmp for the reply. I appreciate the information!!

I have now submitted my application for The OU and student finance but I believe I would have been too late for registration for a mainstream uni!?

I picked the open university due to health factors and it would suit me far better than needing to attend university and working with other students. 15 years younger and I wouldn't have minded lol

It's fine. I've resigned myself to the fact that if someone is in my particular situation then they are not in need of any financial support. I guess they still consider The OU to be a part-time study degree, so you can work part-time also, but due to health issues, I was hoping to avoid the need to work alongside studying and also to get my degree completed in 3 years but there you go. It is what it is. I shall be looking at ways to make money online rather than take another traditional job as I've literally just left mine lol

Thanks again !

Spoonie_Turtle

The potential help available for studying with health issues (and a child) is Universal Credit.  Whether you wish to avail yourself of that help or not is of course up to you - and it appears you have made your decision - but that is not the same thing as there actually being no help or support.

MovingForwards

Depending on what you're studying, uni's have 'clearing' spaces but it varies between universities and courses. Obviously medical and other popular ones is slim to no chance, but maths, English, computer science etc should be available.

andrewmp

bwesting said:

Thanks andrewmp for the reply. I appreciate the information!!

I have now submitted my application for The OU and student finance but I believe I would have been too late for registration for a mainstream uni!?

I picked the open university due to health factors and it would suit me far better than needing to attend university and working with other students. 15 years younger and I wouldn't have minded lol

It's fine. I've resigned myself to the fact that if someone is in my particular situation then they are not in need of any financial support. I guess they still consider The OU to be a part-time study degree, so you can work part-time also, but due to health issues, I was hoping to avoid the need to work alongside studying and also to get my degree completed in 3 years but there you go. It is what it is. I shall be looking at ways to make money online rather than take another traditional job as I've literally just left mine lol

Thanks again !

I do not think it will be too late.  Most universities have places available for direct applications and your finance application can be amended.

Sncjw

They would need to meet the requirements to study. I believe that the ou don't have any real requirements prior to study like a brick uni does. 

Also they would need to do a UCAS form and such forth.

andrewmp

Sncjw said:

They would need to meet the requirements to study. I believe that the ou don't have any real requirements prior to study like a brick uni does. 

Also they would need to do a UCAS form and such forth.

Usually they're quite flexible with mature students, especially if they have experience etc.

As for UCAS, at this time of year you can apply directly via the uni.