Financial help on your own?

sxhoi

Hi, I’m a foundation year student who’s going to be doing a first yr in the next year. I have lived in a toxic household most my life and I think it’s best for me to leave. A few questions I had was when applying to maintenance loan do you have to have an address for where you will be staying even though you might not know yet? I do currently have income however my parents keep a hold of it and do not give it to me unless it’s something I need. So how much would be ideal for me to be ok in the first month? 

tacpot12

You don't have to know where you will be living to apply for a maintenance loan.

How much you need in your first month is likely to depend on whether you are renting somewhere and if you need to leave a security deposit. You can get an idea of the cost of accommodation and sorts of size of security deposit you will need to leave if you ask questions about your preferred location here: The Student Room

You will either need to budget for electricity, gas, water, internet and mobile phone. Budget £70 per month for this. If you can find accommodation that includes all of these, it will be more expensive but your budget should cover this. 
  
You will need money for food. Budget £200 for the first month. This is probably more than you need, especially if you can bring toiletries from home.

You will also need some money for socialising. Again you might benefit from having a bit more in the first month, and then plan to pace yourself a bit more. You might need £100 in the first month for socialising. Presumably your parents will be able to help you save up the sorts of sums involved. 

You won't need to consider Council Tax as you should be exempt. 

You might also need to budget for the cost of travel to come home at the end of term and other times. Cost will depend on how far away from your family you will be living and how often you want to see them. 

I would start by making a budget and then discuss it with your parents.