Is your student loan late?

You may find that you don’t receive your student loan in time for the start of term. If so, here are some practical tips:

Short term loans

Many universities offer short term loans to students who have not received their student loans on time. These will only be given to students who are eligible and have applied for student support. The ways the loans are administered vary across institutions. You may have to give a reason as to why your loan is late and prove that you have no money in your bank account. The amount of loan you receive may depend on your circumstances or may be for a fixed amount set by your institution.

To find out if your institution offers short term loans, and how to apply, contact the Student Finance Office, Student Support Office or Student Union welfare advisors at your institution.

Tips to help you survive until your loan comes in:

Bills – if you have direct debits for phone bills and utilities that are due to come out before your loan is going to come in cancel them to avoid them bouncing and accruing charges. Telephone the companies to explain your situation and see if you can pay them in a few weeks when you get your loan.
Rent - if your rent is due telephone the landlord and explain the situation. Most student landlords will understand the way the student support system works and should accept that they will receive their money soon.
Travel – some student unions can give or lend small emergency payments of £10 or £20 to students in desperate need. This money may help with bus fares for a few weeks. Also, if you do not live too far away, consider the healthier option of walking or cycling into university.
Food – some universities and student unions have food cupboards that you can dig into in an emergency. Others offer supermarket vouchers for those in desperate need. Failing this you will have to pick up as many freshers’ freebies as you can or seek help from your housemates!
Dependents - If you are a single parent and have been on benefits over the summer the university hardship fund may be able to match your benefits whilst you are waiting for student support or give you a non-standard emergency award. Contact the Student Finance Office at your institution to see if this is possible.

Your student life

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