Student Account 2008/09

rachaelj_2

hello

i am starting university in september 2008 and i need a student bank account for my loan and grants so i have been looking at Natwest, Barclays, LLoyds TSB and The Abbey, and they all seem to be offering the same things.

so i was wondering if anyone could give me some help and advice to help me make the decision?

thanks
Rachael

Rob_07

Wait a few more months for the special offers and freebies with the accounts to be launched, if you open the account now you will miss out on the freebies so you might as well wait a few more months for when they are launched in the summer.

Arlen

A lot of banks turn up at the freshers fairs and offer some good freebies.

I changed mine in advance at home and got nothing, however my bank (Barclays) have been great for me. But as with every story where 1 person has a good experience 3 will have a bad one.

The interest free overdraft (which I still have now 3 years on) is the main thing I looked for, free rail ticket would have been nice though as my uni was right next to a station!

Kavanne

Will you be using the train at all?

rachaelj_2

yes i will be using the train sometimes

i am filling out application forms for student loans and on one process it says that i need a back account to proceed so i cannnot wait til the freshers week

Helix

rachaelj wrote: »

i am filling out application forms for student loans and on one process it says that i need a back account to proceed so i cannnot wait til the freshers week

Do you not already have an existing bank account to use for now and then its easy to change the details to those of your student account at a later date. You will probably find your choice of banks will be limited at the moment as not all of them will let you open a student account for next year yet.

Kavanne

rachaelj wrote: »

yes i will be using the train sometimes

i am filling out application forms for student loans and on one process it says that i need a back account to proceed so i cannnot wait til the freshers week

You can open any bank account now and then once you have opened your student account after results day you just fill out the CO1 form from student finance and return it to them with your new student bank account details.

Natwest. 5 yr railcard, saved you 1/3 off rail fares. Free. Job done. You'll be able to open a 'Step' account now, then switch over to a student come August. You don't want to open a student account now anyway as the railcard offer with Natwest hasn't started.

From Student Finance website:

You can update your bank details from the ‘Update My Bank Details’ link in your online account.
You can also update your bank details by contacting the Customer Support Office (phone 0845 6077 577, Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday & Sunday, 9.00am to 5.30pm), or by completing a Change of Circumstance form.
Note: there may be a limit on how close to the payment of your loan instalments you are able to change your bank details. Any time restrictions will be announced on the Student Finance Direct website.

Source: http://www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=53,1260694&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL#Q20

dollywops

rachaelj wrote: »

hello

i am starting university in september 2008 and i need a student bank account for my loan and grants so i have been looking at Natwest, Barclays, LLoyds TSB and The Abbey, and they all seem to be offering the same things.

so i was wondering if anyone could give me some help and advice to help me make the decision?

thanks
Rachael

In order to open a student bank account, you will have to wait until you have a confirmed place. After 14 August, once you have some paperwork from either UCAS or your university, you can then open a student account.

skyrider007

A bit too early to think of opening a student account, concentrate on your exams first! I wish you success and hope you'll make it to your FIRM choice. Come back here after results day and we'll be ready to help you pick the best account that suits your needs.