STUDENT FINANCE
Do you know how much it's going to cost you?
Did you know there are still opportunities for funding that you don't have to repay?
If you're planning on going to university after college then here you'll be able to access information about the range of funding available to help you through university including tuition and maintenance loans, grants and scholarships.
This funding is also available if you are doing a Higher Education course (Level 4 or above) at college rather than university.
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Student Finance England
The official source of information about government loans and grants
https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
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Key information sources:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/student-finance/
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Need an estimate of how much you could get?:
https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator
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Scholarships and bursaries
These come from the university themselves, so they are all different:
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Universities usually have several options, you may be eligible for more than one
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Each one may have different eligibility criteria
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Some for academic merit, some for financial need, some focused on particular subjects/study areas
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You often need to apply separately from your student loan, directly to the university on their application form
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Search the university website and/or contact them directly for information.
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Some useful websites
If you have ever been in local authority care, you can also seek additional grant funding from various sources. This website lists lots of options. Do come and talk to a Careers Adviser if you'd like some help with this:
Propel: http://propel.org.uk/UK/support/funding/
If you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability, make sure you have a look at the pages on the Gov.uk website regarding the grant funding available: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas
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Searching for more opportunities
You can also find details of scholarships and bursaries via these search engines:
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More on grants and Charitable Foundations
There are other organisations that offer advice and funding for higher education study. Here are some examples:
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www.hkf.org.uk - Helena Kennedy Foundation
www.family-action.org.uk - Family Action (Educational Grants)
www.refugeesupportnetwork.org - Rufugee Support Network
www.ukcisa.org.uk - UKCISA (for international students)
http://runnerclick.com/runnerclick-scholarship/ (sports enthusiasts)
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NHS Bursaries
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Update on planned Sharia compliant student loans
The government has discussed introducing a new model for student loans, to be Sharia compliant, but it is not ready for applications. This campaign website outlines further advice on higher education funding, and gives updates on the current situation:
Looking after your money
Planning your incoming money and outgoing money before you start spending will ease a lot of pressure.
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Use these tools to help you, especially if you've never had to do this before.
Templates for writing a budget, links to budget apps for your phone, advice on not getting over-taxed if you're working part time, and a run down of the best student bank accounts. Find all this and more on these great free websites...
Top Tip NEVER borrow from Payday Lenders, they rely on you racking up bad debt!
Money Saving Expert
Loads of FANTASTIC and easy to use resources!
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Student Budget Planner
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-budgeting-planner/
... and much more tips and advice too!
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Student Budget Guide
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https://www.savethestudent.org/money/student-budgeting/student-budgeting.html
Working during Uni
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Do you need a part-time job?
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Don't over commit
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Know your calendar
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Use your time productively
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Don't miss classes
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Use your summer wisely
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Pencil in some 'me' time
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If you're struggling, speak up!
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Get enough sleep
Read all the tips here!
Did you know?... most universities employ their own students on flexible contracts as 'student ambassadors'. You get paid for representing the university at Open Days, talks at local schools and colleges and Fairs. They will understand your study commitments and you are not locked in to a shift pattern or hours that are hard to change.
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You can also usually get jobs at the Student's Union and there will be a 'jobs board' somewhere in the main Union building aimed at students looking for jobs.
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There are websites dedicated to students looking for jobs too, check out our links HERE.