Starting Year 13 (number 4!)

[Mindgone]

I just thought I'd get us started up again!

Bluebelz, Mumslife, Bob123 I've not seen any that clearly state first come first served for accommodation. Recall some saying they give accommodation offers to unconditionals first. And perhaps those that guarantee all first years (through main round application process that apply before deadline) process firm before insurance.
Having said that, one we spoke to claim to try and process in application date order, after the unconditionals and special requirements sorted. Guess they can't blatantly advertise this, as could seem unfair when some won't have had their offers when accommodation applications open.

Gypsy I think they can start the application and create a student loan login without very much detail. DD did this in school this week, and doesn't have student bank account yet. Unless she gave details of youth account she has, thinking it will be switched over.

Thanks circular . We'll take a look over the weekend and see if we can at least get her log in sorted.

Good luck to your ds seimum.

Horsemad - teenagers!

GypsyFloss - they can do the student finance without a student bank account. In fact, last year my dd couldn't start setting up the student bank account until results day as the bank wanted to see the official confirmation letter from the university that she had a confirmed place. As soon as they have the letter in their sticky paw, rush down to the chosen bank because it takes a while to process (massive amount of people trying to do it at the same time).

Can't you just switch your ordinary bank account over to a student one? It seems to me that the ones with the incentives such as 16-25 rail card are just tricks because - you'll already have a 16-25 rail card (and probably a two together and a share in a family one too, depending on the number and age of your siblings).

She had an ordinary account, but the student account (Santander 123) gave a much better rate of interest. They insisted on seeing a letter from the university.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/2294896-Whats-the-best-student-account

Didn't hamper my daughter. Went through fine. Best to keep their old account open as well (as a back up). If you want peace of mind, just set up a transfer between the two accounts after student finance has gone through. For the Santander one, you need to pay in £500 a term to get the interest / perks, so a transfer system would work nicely. Although once student finance has gone through, it will earn a lot more interest in the student account.

www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/Student-bank-account - gives a list of other good accounts.

I think that last year Santander was the bank of choice for student accounts. For those that applied in my area they had to arrange an appointment on, or as close to results day as possible, so couldn't give final bank details on student finance till then. It all seemed to work...

DD1 stayed with her current bank and didn't actually take out a student account. She has upped the overdraft a bit, but for those who are supporting their DC to such an extent they should not need a large overdraft, personally I would stay away from the student accounts as they just see the overdraft as free money, and I would not necessarily go with the account that offers the largest overdraft unless you actually need it.

Having said that I think I will get DD2 to first update her current account to an adult one. Then we will at some point make an appointment with Santander to open an account there as well. Then on results day depending on which uni she gets into we will decide on whether it is worth going through the bunfight that will ensue! The main incentive will be the student railcard. she will probably keep her other account with her savings in and for her part time job which she will do in the holidays.

Not sure how accurate this is, but the moneysavingexpert info says you can open a student bank account with a UCAS unconditional offer. So that could in theory be now for some on this thread.

DS1 had an unconditional last year and didn't get his first choice of accommodation! He is very happy where his is though :)

Mumslife, I was surprised too! At least you know better at this stage what to expect than we did :)

Anyone's DC planning post-exam holidays yet?
Have a DD here with a late summer birthday, wondering what situation is if travelling before 18. Possibly in a group where most of the others would have turned 18. Or maybe just with one friend, who will also still be 17?

DS is going to S Africa on a school organised conservation trip.
It's a mix of Yr10, Yr11 and Yr12/13. He's 18 just before they go and he's having the trip for his birthday present.

That is a fabulous present, Horsemad. I am not sure, but I don't think the Year 13s at DD's school are invited on school trips. Which is a shame. I would be much more in favour of a conservation trip to South Africa than a week in Magaluf!

Ha! That was my thinking too, Leeds2
He's not a party animal although I think this may change when he goes to Uni!

I think that re hols as long as there are 18 yr olds in the group it isn't a problem if there are 17 yr olds too. DD went away in a group of 4 17 yr olds and all the parents had to sign forms. But her friends who were with 18 yr olds didn't have any problems

Conservation trip sounds great, Horsemad. I think DD is looking for something relaxing rather than active, but without being the mad partying type holiday.

Bob123 that's good to know. Is that abroad or UK?

Abroad. No idea about the UK

When DD and her friends were 17 they went to Malia. Olympic Holidays were really good and although it had to be a telephone booking with indemnity forms signed by the parents they also gave us the internet discount.

I think when there are 17 and 18 yrs old the 18 yr olds somehow take on the responsibility for the 17 yr olds IYSWIM