Introduction

The majority of students at university have financially worries at some point throughout their course, so it is essential that we make each new applicant aware of the funds available to them prior to their arrival.

Certain groups of students are considered a priority for funding, these are:

• Student with children (especially lone parents)
• Other mature students (especially those with existing financial commitments)
• Students from low income families
• Disabled students (especially where the DSA is unable to meet particular costs)
• Care leavers
• Students who are homeless
• Students receiving the final year loan rate, who are in financial difficulty
• Student on very high cost courses

Why is it important to tell students about financial support?

Some students will arrive at the university on their first day of term with no funding support arranged and think that it all to be sorted out quickly. Unfortunately, this is not the case and this makes their first few months at the university more stressful than necessary; and it can be avoided by informing them early on of the available support.

It is also useful to work through a budget planner with your students to make them aware of how tight their budget will be. Money management and money saving tips can alleviate many of the financial situations students fall into.

Making students aware of the Access to Learning funds can also improve their chances of success at University. Several students struggle through the year on very little money, never knowing there is funds available to them, and by the time they apply the funds are exhausted. This is particularly relevant to students with children.

Single students who have just left school rarely qualify for help from the Access to Learning funds (unless they have exceptional circumstances or fall into one of the priority categories - see above), so it is even more important that you make them aware of this.

It is now becoming more common for students to be encouraged to take up part time job to cover any shortfall they may have in their income. Normally at least 1 day per week, more in holiday periods.

Where to get additional information

The Student Finance Team at any university will be pleased to offer advice and information. Contact details can usually be found through the university web site.

From the student point of view

It is vitally important that the student finds out about all cost required for the course, including materials, essential texts, placement travel, as this can often come be overlooked when budgeting. It is also worth them finding out the cost of living in their chosen study area, as this can vary greatly from region to region.

Application for all funding (e.g. from LEA, NHS, etc) should be completed as early as possible to avoid arriving at the university without any money. It is often useful to have someone check through the application forms to make sure all the relevant sections are completed and the correct evidence has been provided to avoid the application being delayed or returned.

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