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Parenting

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Original poster

Not sure I can carry on studying

9 replies

FrenchRuby · 01/10/2013 19:15

And I've been at uni for a week.

I love it so so much, it feels like I am meant to be there.
But student finance have just messed everything up for me and now I'm facing the possibility of having to drop out.

Basically I studied a year with OU, I didn't tell student finance because I didn't realise you had to. That is completely my fault and I accept responsibility for that completely.

But here's the thing... I applied back in march, I got a confirmation letter in July stating what and when I was gettin my student loan/grant fees etc so I had no idea anything was wrong.

I enrolled, watched my uni put my confirmation in myself, days later no student finance. I spent a total of 4 hours on the phone to SF over the weekend and not once did they mention my application being stopped. It took for my uni to phone up on my behalf for them to say it had been stopped.

If this had come up before I had started uni I would have had it sorted ASAP and it wouldn't be an issue.
But now I have started I've used up my savings paying for dds nursery (I'm having to pay for the out of my student loan because apparently I don't qualify for childcare grant) thinking that I'd be able to put it back in once my student loan comes in.

I'm having to re apply now and it could take months, I'm out of savings and if it takes longer than November to sort out I just don't have the money to carry on.
I'm now wondering if I should just cut my losses now because I'm just losing money.

Sorry if this is all rambled and confusing, I'm really upset.

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Chan1811 · 02/10/2013 08:45

If they are not going to completely stop your finance and it's just a matter of them sorting out a new application, go to student services at the uni and explain the situation and they will be able to offer you some advice. If you are upfront and honest with them, they may allow you to continue on the course without your fees being paid yet.

callamia · 02/10/2013 08:51

Go and talk to your student union - there is likely to be a hardship loan/grant that you can apply for. Student finance delays are quite normal - and most universities will happily wait until you're sorted before chasing fees etc.

Also, talk to your bank - I was given an interest-free overdraft extension when my loan was late coming in.

There will be some alternatives to tide you over - don't let the Student Loan Company ruin your first term!

Original poster

FrenchRuby · 02/10/2013 08:57

I've already got maxed out my allowed over draft on my student account. And I spoke to student advisors and they can give me £500 hardship loan but that doesn't even cover a months nursery fees, I don't mind taking money out of my savings but I don't want to get myself into even more debt if I might have to drop out anyway, I don't have the money to pay it back.

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Original poster

FrenchRuby · 02/10/2013 08:58

My uni said best case it's sorted by November, which would be fine. Worst case late next year, I can't afford to go past December :/

OP posts:

niceupthedance · 08/10/2013 19:06

I'm having similar issues. Student Finance are not fit for purpose in my opinion.

Have you tried emailing their complaints department? Other than that would it be worth contacting your local MP to see if they can help?

Original poster

FrenchRuby · 21/10/2013 19:22

It's still not sorted. The date they tell me it will be sorted by keeps getting pushed back. I've lost the energy to fight now. I've been on the the phone every single day for at least an hour each time, no closer to this being resolved.
I want to give up.

OP posts:

Finest · 01/11/2013 18:18

Hi. I know it doesn't help your situation. But you're not alone. I'm having exactly the same problem and have also been considering dropping out. My partner has already started looking for jobs. We can't risk this happening again. Student Finance have a lot to answer for! There's a petition starting here and it's only been up for a couple of hours but already picking up some signatures.

cupoftchai · 01/11/2013 18:22

R u sure tour uni can't help more? Norm there is a hardship fund as well as loan.

Geckos48 · 01/11/2013 18:24

I've also had to drop out of Uni, because of the Student Loans company,

But I have found out I can do a top-up degree with the OU, get an Open degree and then do my specialist subject as a MSC when I have finished that. It will take around the same amount of time to complete and I can have a break to have another baby a lot more easily.

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