Student Finance applications

So it’s 2013, some students are already packing up and heading back to uni for some dreaded exams. For those of you applying to uni this year it’s time to start thinking about student finance. If you thought UCAS was a pain in the arse, just you wait.

Applications start in ‘early 2013’ (they don’t even give you an exact date). You can make an account with them whenever so get that done early so you are ready to go when it is time.

When they do open, online forums are saying it will be in february this year, don’t wait around. Get it done. Usually I’m a little more relaxed about things but if you don’t get your application in before they deadline (again they haven’t announced an exact date yet) you wont be getting your money when your course starts. I know some people who only got their first loan payment before Christmas because they didn't get their application in on time. Don’t mess about with student finance.

Another hoop to jump through for student finance is sending off evidence. For me I had to send off my Mum’s divorce certificate, if you do have to send anything off make sure to send it recorded delivery so you know it got there for sure. You will need to provide evidence that you are you, you can either enter your passport number online or if you don’t have one you need to post your birth certificate. (if you need to it might be worth rooting out your birth certificate now just to make sure you have it)

Finally you need your parents to confirm their income; there is a whole wonderfully confusing section on this for you all to tackle. They will need to supply financial income and their national insurance number.

Once you have jumped through all the hoops you will be sent a letter telling you how much money you get. DON’T LOSE THIS LETTER. Buy yourself a folder and keep all your uni related letters in there. You will need this letter when you get the uni. It will look a lot like that one over there.

Make sure you get your application checked; usually there is someone at your school/college/sixth form who can do this. Whatever you do, do not press send until it has been checked. At one point I have one box ticked incorrectly and it meant that I didn't get the tuition fees loan. That would have been scary if I had pressed send.

My top tips for getting through student finance

1. Make your account now
2. Apply early
3. Get your application checked before sending

For those of you applying, I hope you found this helpful. Good luck, you are going to need it.

Keep it scrimpy.
Laura.