Tax Deductions Newb

Skyhigh

First off, apologies for my ignorance - I've googled and read up, and called HMRC a few times but some issues still aren't clear.

Until recently I've been a full time student, I've just started my new full time job and I'm looking into the entire tax issue - since its costing me money

So far:
I've managed to get my tax code changed from BR to 522L with a P46 - and I'll be getting back any over-paid tax in my next pay packet direct from my employer as its before the end of the tax year. I've also filled in a form for HMRC confirming I was a student from the start of this tax year, to the date when I started work (therefore 'not earning).

I had a look on HMRC but its a bit useless:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/briefs/income-tax/deductions.htm

Now, tax deductions, this site:
http://www.hints-n-tips.com/articlolookdtax.htm

Says that student loan interest and eye glasses/contact lenses are tax deductable...

Now the first, I owe £18,000 in student loan at the current 4.8% interest rate, its going to cost me £864 in interest.
Is the site correct in saying that this is 'tax deductable'? Would it be the full amount of only a percentage?

Contacts cost me about £220 per year, and glasses around £300 (although I only get a pair every 3 years...so far), how does this relate to tax deductions?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

:!:

CLAPTON

If you were in the USA I'm sure the information would be correct, sadly here its not.

Skyhigh

Oh well, had to be too good to be true.

Alternatively, does anyone have a list of possible tax deductions for the UK on income tax, if we have any?
[I've seen some for uniforms/dry-cleaning, but I'm not aware of any others]


Thanks

:!: