any advice on finances??/

[prettyfly1]

hi ladies have been accepted to herts uni to do their btec foundation in art and design leading on to do degree. this is fantastic cause the course has a great reputation however because its the unis equivalent of an access its not eligible for a student loan - what do i do - does anyone know what financial help is/may be available. its a full time course and i have a one year old and i am a single parent.

I did an access course before I went tio uni and I am afraid I had to foot the bill myself. If you are on benefits of any sort you can often get a learning allowance from the benefits agency.
I would suggest you ask at the student advisory service of the uni you will be attending - they are usually brilliant at helping sort out the financial stuff.

You should be eligible for child tax credits ( income dependent) and council tax exemption or reduction, possibley free prescriptions/specs/ and school meals and clothing allowance.

But I am going by the Scottish system - not sure if the same things apply down south.

Any way I hope this gives you something to start from. Uni's are well used to these sort of enquiries so don't be shy - they may also have a mature student bursary scheme that you can apply for.

Good luck and enjoy your course.

hi there. i have researched and i may get benefits but no child care help. any suggestions anyone else who has done this???

hi, I was in the same situation 2 years ago. I did my foundation at oaklands college (StA ) and there was a seperate fund for childcare.
I'd go to the finance office and see if there are any other options.
Good luck.

I started my foundation course when my son was 8months, also a single mum. Its crazy but hang in there :)