I'm going to be a student in september, but i'm really confused about

[Little Star]

student finance,can someone help me out? I've already applied for student finance from my local council and it has been accepted, but i've no idea what i'm entitled to how much i'm gonna get and what it goes towards, i'm studying in london so i think i get extra for that. so these are the main questions i want answered if you can help
1) do i pay my tuition fees now during the course or when ive finished?
2) what exactly does the student loan go towards? and how much is it?
3) do i get anything towards my accommdation?

thanks if you can help
i have no kids, im 22 and dont get much support from my parents, also im in the uk

[Helplessly Clueless]

Usually tuition has to be paid in full before you start. I don't know about the UK, per se, but usually that's how it works.

Student loans usually go towards tuition first with maybe a book or two, room and board second, and then supplies. Really, though, depends on the aid.

If you're living off campus, then room and board may not be covered. If it is, it's called a "living expense" and is usually calculated using information of where you're staying, for example using your lease on an apartment.

To be sure, though, contact the financial aid office of the place you're studying at and ask them everything you need. It's best to have a one-on-one consultation rather than over the phone.

Good luck with everything!

[Emma t]

Your paperwork should have the details of how much you get, as it is means-tested.

1) You will have to pay during the course, if you are liable for them - this is means tested too. Your paperwork will say.

2) Everything - rent, books, clothing, nights out, bills..... everything. The amount you get is means tested and will be on your paperwork.

3) That is what your student loan is for.

This site might help: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/index.htm

[blue_angel_tears2008]

the college should be able to explain to you how fincial aid works

[Ms Minger]

What are your personal circumstances? Kids? That makes all the difference.

[Sarah N]

If you've already had it accepted then it should have a break down of what you're getting and what you're entitled to on the letter. When it goes into you account will be on the second letter they send 3 weeks before the start of term. It's all mean tested so it will depend on your circumstances as to how much you get.

1) If you're eligible to get your student fees paid for you then the loan company will send it directly to the university, it won't come out of the money they give you. If you have to pay them yourself you do it either in a lump sum at the start of term of in 3 installments over the year (I think it's over the year anyway).
2) You'll get a separate amount of money for living expenses (usually around £1300 pounds or higher if you live in London) that you can spend as you wish. It's always best to keep some aside for emergencies and traveling home etc.
3) If you have your living arrangements paid for you'll get a separate allowance each term alongside your loan that will go into your bank account and you pay the university either in a lump sum at the beginning of term or in installments.

Hope that helps. Send a PM if you need anymore help (it's in my profile).

[LottyBetty]

1) This is depends on what your parents earn. You may have to pay all your fees, some or none.
2) Your loan goes towards accomodation, living costs, uni stuff, books etc, basically everything!
3) You spend you loan on what you want you don't get a set amount for each thing, unless your parents are paying for your accommodation you will have to use your loan.

The amount of loan you get depends on how much your parents earn. I'm on old style fees and get the max amount possible (my tuition is only £1200 rather than the new fees of around £3000) so loans awarded are slightly different (same process just different amounts awarded) I get my fees payed, £850 grant a year which i don't pay back and about £5,500 loan a year. In the next few weeks you will get a letter from you LEA with how much your entitled to so until then you cannot guess as everyone is different x x x