Hi everyone, I'm new to the education topic so I'm not sure if this has been asked before. I also really don't want to sound like a princess - I know that many people are in much harder situations than myself. This is only temporary and I know how lucky I am to be in this position!
I'm in my final year of medicine which is funded by the nhs - my tuition is fully paid for and I get the maximum £394 per month plus non-means tested student finance loan. While I'm so grateful for the help I get, it really isn't enough to cover my living costs. After my commitments every month I'm left with under £200. This would probably be doable if it was just for food but I have multiple distant placements and have to do out of hours shifts so getting by without a car would be hugely difficult (and also expensive!). On my last 4 week placement I had to spend £40 on parking and petrol costs amounted to approx £90.
I've applied for my university hardship fund but they argued that I'm not an essential car user so they wouldn't take any car related costs into account. I really can't see how I'd get myself back from twilight shifts without a car. I think it would negatively affect my attendance on placement but maybe I'm being entitled?
My parents can't help me any more (they would love to if they could), I've maxed out my overdraft and minimised spending but I've reached the point at which I really can't see any other options. I'll finish my exams next May and start working next August (if I pass!) so there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel but I can't see how I'm going to through until then. I've had to completely stop socialising, Christmas presents are a myth this year and I'm living as frugally as possible day to day.
I've had a look for part time work but I can't see anything flexible enough at the moment. My timetable is different every week and the hours are long, I'm not sure how it would work but I'm willing to try.
My question is - has anyone else been in this situation/ had a DC in this situation and been unable to help? If so, what did you do?
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Final year medicine NHS bursary not enough
41 replies
iabvvu · 11/11/2019 20:07
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