When do the 2012 starters have to apply for their student loans?

[eatyourveg]

Is it once they have firmed an offer?

i thought it was when they had accepted a place.

I think I started the process when I had accepted an offer.

www.ucas.com/students/studentfinance/
"Full-time students in England can apply online now for 2012 entry financial support at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance. You should apply online now to make sure your money is in place at the start of your course. It's quick and easy and you don't need to have a confirmed place - just use your first choice of course and change it online at a later date if you need to. View more information."
So you can apply now.

Thanks for the link goinggetstough

Word of warning, don't rely on the online application actually working - once you've done it, ring them up and check it's gone through. Took us till the end of October before DD got any money as from our end the application had gone in, but from their end it hadn't, so they didn't process it . Also keep a very good record of everyone you speak to (names, dates, times) as IME everyone tells you something different.

If your financial situation is straightforward it shouldn't be too bad, but if you're self-employed or want to use a different year's income, the system finds it hard to cope.

Oh dear - I'm not looking forward to any of it!

Does anyone know anything about the penalties if you pay back early?

melodyangel I beleive they are still deciding on that one

Do it now! Seriously, get it all done ASAP so that if there's any problems, it gives you as long as possible before term starts to get it sorted out.

If you ever have to ring them, press 0 to go through to a general advisor. May have to wait on hold for a bit, but they're much more useful than going through the never-ending menus as theyre the ones that understand everything, not just one little bit.

We were thinking of leaving it until ds knew what he is going to choose. He is still waiting to hear back from one uni, his frist choice.

Do you think delaying by a month could meanhe is without funds in Sept? We do have a slightly complex income situation.

Maddie, I would honestly just do it ASAP. getting the application in earlier means you're higher up the list, as it were.

Also, be aware that if there's a self employed parent it can get a bit more complex with various paperwork having to be sent off, so again, do it as early as you can.

EduStudent

Thank you, I'm going to start reading through the process tonight!

For Welsh students it appears we cannot apply for our student finance until the 21st March! This is the date given on www.studentfinancewales.co.uk website.