Help - P/T Student allowances

top_drawer_2

hi,

I am looking for some advice ...

In my third year of uni I started suffering with depression and I am still being treated for this. I managed to attend all the lectures (there were only 5 per module) but when it came to the exams I couldnt sit them. Therefore, the uni said I could defer them which I have done several times. Then the uni registered me part-time as I lost all my dyslexic support with being a "exam only" student.

The uni said I would now be entitled to receive a bursary to help out with costs etc. I applied and they have sent the form back several times (with periods of 6-8 weeks between each time) claiming there's a different problem - this has been going on since October now!! I am losing the will to live - each time I ring up they give me different info; and to add to all this the assessor only works part-time and the clerical staff are pretty useless...

I rang them on Wednesday to be told the systems are down and to ring back Friday!! Today the women tells me completely different information (again) - that this P/T grant is means tested and that they have sent a form out ages ago which I have never received ...

Please help!

I am pretty desperate for money and sick of being given the runaround .... Does anyone know what I should be asking? what am I entitled too? Would I be better going F/t?

Thanks

Jen

System

Whenever I had problems with SLC funding I went there in person.

I'm not sure how bursaries work, as I've never got one ... is it through uni? If it is go and see someone in your funding office. Just go to the offices and demand to see someone in person.

You said that the uni told you that you were entitle to a bursary? Was this in writing? If so, then bring the written evidence along with you!

If not you could try Access to Learning?

top_drawer_2

hi,

I would love to go and see someone in person, it was all so much easier when I lived over there in Preston but I moved back to live with my parents as the contract on my flat finished and I hadnt sorted accomodation as I hadnt expected to be there ... I now live in Darwen , I work mornings and no-one ever seems to be available at the times I can do!

I've no idea if it is actually a bursary TBH, just that "someone" from Student loans told me it wasnt repayable.... when I agreed to them signing me up to part-time the women mentioned it but she is a disability advisor at the uni not anything to do with funding ...

I am moving back shortly - resigned from my job and have the booking fee on a house sorted so hopefully I will soon be able to get all this in hand.

Jen