I'm in the same position as you; dad earns too much for me to get anything more than the minimum loan (which also excludes me from applying for extra money from the uni) but not enough to top up my loan to what it 'should' be. My family have their own expenses, after all.
I'm now a third year student. How do I cope?
- Get a student account with the largest interest-free overdraft. They generally remain interest-free for a year after graduation and are a life saver for certain circumstances. I generally try and limit dipping into it, but it's useful for when my rent is due before my loan has come in.
- Take a year out, work full-time and save as much money as you can. My gap year was a forced one (no offers first time round) but even on NMW, working full time for a year gave me enough to get by on.
- Look at the cheapest accommodation you possibly can. I sent an email to my uni asking to be considered for the cheapest halls, which worked. It still ate up all my student loan (and more), but the next 'cheapest' was at least £2k more expensive.
- Prioritise! In second year I lived with someone who received almost three times as much money as me when taking into account loan, grants etc. She lived out of her overdraft and always complained about having no money because she, frankly, spent her money on ****e. A £300 shopping spree might seem like a good idea when your money goes in, but when you're eating pot noodles for the rest of the month, you'll regret it.
I've managed to never need a term-time job, but I did have an exceptionally well-paid summer job. Working full time at almost £10/hr, I haven't had a free summer in a few years - but it means I can afford to live.