how do i afford university for dc? I have nothign spare? can they support themselves?

[slartybartfast]

that's it really.
if we get help for being low earners , that is to cover their living expenses? do they work?

it can't be that only those that can afford it have children who go to university?

Terms are noticeably shorter though poofus.

You're right Poofus that term-time working is generally considered a no-no at Oxford and Cambridge, but I am friends with two people whose (old, rich) colleges allowed them to work during term because they were poor and needed the money. One worked as a barman, the other as a college cleaner. So it's not an outright ban by any means. The colleges will always try to help students make ends meet and if that means a bit of term-time working, it's frequently allowed.

seriously - if your DCs are predicted A*AA Oxbridge. College rents are really cheap in comparison with most universities, and there is loads of bursary money sloshing around. It's probably cheaper to go to Oxford or Cambridge as a low income student than virtually anywhere else in the country.

However, at Oxbridge you are not allowed to have a term time job an can be sent down if you are found to be working.

DS went off to Uni in September
The loan pays the fees
The other ( maintenance ) loan pays his rent for Halls
He has a mini grant ( about £700 a year ) which is his to spend as he wishes
We gave him , by bank standing order £20 a week for food ( this went up to £35 , but our food bill at home went down a lot more ! )
He managed to book himself on a ski trip and have a fun time living the good life working hard

x post

DH and I went to Christ Church. They were very helpful with money including sub-ing the beer and indeed found some people work in college in the holidays. Term time work was an absolute no though.

CharlesRyder - not true. You have to ask the Senior Tutor and s/he may say no, but there are exceptions. I personally know two who have explicitly been granted permission for term-time working; that means there are probably more.

well, great as it sounds, i dont think she is on track for oxford/cambridge sadly.
but some positive information so far, feel a whole lot better.

Just an anecdote, nothing to take as gospel but I worked with a girl who went to Durham where many many students have parents who don't pay rent they buy a flat for their dc.

She did not pay for a drink for 3 years because all the rich kids new she was poor and wouldn't let her buy a round.

If you're household is on less than £25K pa your dd will be entitled to a non-repayable maintenance grant of £3387 and a repayable one of £3862 so would have £7249 to live on. That probably won't be enough. Bank loans and a job should cover the rest. It's cheaper in the North but don't let dd base her degree choice purely on finance. My OH is a researcher and lecturer and says some students really struggle with working alongside study, some degrees more than others. Most find it much easier in years 1 &2 to work but struggle later on. If a student is working it is really important to tell supervisors etc-deadlines can't be extended but some things can be rearranged to accommodate them.
TBH at his Uni most students don't work term time but do in the holidays.

My DD will get a loan for fees, a loan for halls, then a grant plus bursary towards living expenses.

She will also try to get a Wetherspoons shift or equivalent.

And live on smart price noodles.