How do you afford to study??

[boundarybabe]

Hi all,

I've been trying to find something to study since before DS was born. But I simply can't afford it! I've managed to convince some people to buy me some open university vouchers for my birthday, and I've been saving up my clubcard points so have about £90 towards a course. I am trying to convince my work to partially fund a course but that does mean I'll be limited to subjects that they consider useful.

Apparently I'm not entitled to any financial help as we earned slightly too much over the last financial year (i.e. April 2008- March 2009). But that doesn't take into account the fact that I'm now part time, and about 80% of my wages are now lining the nursery's pocket! Plus my husband commutes so that's immediately £200 knocked off his wages each month. How on earth do people afford to study? I'm genuinely interested as to how parents manage and would like to hear from you all. Thanks

usually loans.

either 'career development' or 'personal', depending on what your circs are.

in theory, at some point you will reap financial gain, although it does seem a long way off, currently...

Hi,
I'm really lucky and the OU funds the majority of my course fees.
Do you receive tax credits to help with childcare costs? If your unsure about whether you are claiming the right amount I would ring the tax credits helpline and check.
Have you spoken to anyone at the OU? I think that even if you aren't entitled to financial support there are some charities that can help with part of the costs.
If all else fails then the way I pay for my course fees not covered by the financial support is the OU student budget account.
Good luck!

Thanks both. I think what's irritating me is that I'm within the threshold for financial help from the OU, and have been for at least 6 months. But because they don't assess until the end of the tax year, I'm going to have to wait until next October before I can afford anything.

That's rubbish. It's the same with tax credits unless your wages change by more than 25k. What are you hoping to study?

There are loads of things that interest me, but I'd quite like to do more maths/stats, or possibility something computer based. I've got the points for the first year of a degree so I wouldn't mind doing the open degree in a range of subjects.

Just don't want to have to wait a year!!!!

You don't have to give up or wait there is loads of prep you can be doing!

openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/index.php these are all of the ou units available for free. They are parts of the ou courses and I use them when I have gaps in my calender to get ahead. I am taking 130 points this year but I don't think I would manage without open learn.

This way you can try lots of the courses on offer and decide on a rough study plan.

I'm doing the physical sciences but after starting the maths courses I nearly changed my mind and went with maths instead.

Hope it is some use to you.