Money Problems

Q: My loan is late. What can I do?

A: You may be able to receive a short term loan or some emergency financial help from your University.

See www.money4medstudents.org/content.asp?id=512 for more details.

Q: In the past my student loan was assessed wrongly and I was paid too much. They are now taking it back out of my current support. What can I do?

A: Unfortunately, if the Student Loans Company wrongly assess you and give you too much student support they are entitled to take it back. Their policy is now to take this out of future loan payments.

If this has left you short of money you may be able to access some money from your University's Hardship Fund:

www.money4medstudents.org/content.asp?id=159

You could also write to the Student Loans Company informing them that the overpayment reductions have left you in financial hardship and asking them to reconsider. Although they many not change your payments, the more complaints they receive the more likely they are to change their policy.

Q: I need emergency financial aid. Where can I go?

A: If you are a home student you can apply to the University hardship fund.

See www.money4medstudents.org/content.asp?id=159

Some universities have hardship funds for international students too, although these are generally limited and involve strict application processes.

For details of how to apply to the hardship fund, and for details of international student hardship funds, contact your Student Funding Office, Student Support Office or Student Union Advice Centre.

Q: My student funding is not enough to cover my living expenses. Are there any bursaries or grants that I can apply for?

A: There are many charitable trusts that offer small amounts of money to students in need. See our section on these for details of how to search for trusts, tips on how to apply and details of trusts that you can apply to.

www.money4medstudents.org/content.asp?id=225

You could also try your University hardship fund (see above).