unique problem for a future art student (UAL)

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hello! i have a unique problem.
i live in the unpleasant part of south east of england (not ldn) and i plan on studying at UAL. my household income is £40k, and my family is kinda big (6 people, some of us are also disabled/chronically ill). we can barely survive with this income, but it is clearly too much for any bursary at any uni.

i applied for UAL:LCC (animation) and the UAL Fd diploma. the Fd course is my first choice, but obvs, i had to accept UAL:LCC as my first choice because of UCAS. i am still waiting to hear back from the Fd course. LCC is good, but i am not sure how i feel about limiting myself to one focus area when i could focus on that skill as well in fine art, hence why i want to do the Fd course.
obvs as well, the Fd course is free, but where i live is a bit of an expensive drag to commute to class considering it's a full-time course. i am really uncertain of what to do if i get in.

i usually pay for my own food (i have stomach issues and allergies, meaning i have a unique diet), my own travel (i currently school in east ldn), my phone bill, my driving lessons, and even my parents' bills occasionally, but i've never had to drop anything insane like £220/week on rent! also, i planned to resign from my job in may...
my parents and i were discussing sending me to live with my relatives in london, but their apartments are built for 2 max (they are old), and i would feel immense guilt for squatting at theirs for a year. i thought i might be eligible for the 16 - 18 UAL bursary fund thing, but my household makes too much. this happens a lot.

it is possible to live in a UAL hall whilst on the foundation course, but i am supposed to pay out of my own pocket. i am eligible for the hardship fund (i think?), but that's just £2000/year maximum. the minimum is £200/year?

though i could try to commute, it wouldn't change very much about the cost i'd face to study that course. living close to campus would be ideal to eliminate the travel cost and 1hr 30min daily journey (into london, one way), but not when i have to pay to live there with my own non-existent money.

what do you guys think i should do? i'm going to try and talk with their services further tomorrow ଘ(|lI.ࡇ.) .

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

I’m not sure if this helps but if you can prove you’ve been supporting yourself for 3+ years up to 31st of august you could apply for the maximum loan as an independent student. And don’t feel bad for staying at a relatives you’ll be studying in London where there’s always things to do and atleast it’ll help w food, rent and travel, you won’t be home as much as to feel like you’re bothering them. I’m commuting 1hour and a half to uni everyday for UAL too so I understand the struggle but as long as you can keep it consistent you can always commute.

Reply 2

wawaw9

OP

8

Original post by Anonymous

I’m not sure if this helps but if you can prove you’ve been supporting yourself for 3+ years up to 31st of august you could apply for the maximum loan as an independent student. And don’t feel bad for staying at a relatives you’ll be studying in London where there’s always things to do and atleast it’ll help w food, rent and travel, you won’t be home as much as to feel like you’re bothering them. I’m commuting 1hour and a half to uni everyday for UAL too so I understand the struggle but as long as you can keep it consistent you can always commute.

thank you so much (´ー`)/! how are you finding commuting? is it worth it 💔?

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Original post by wawaw9

thank you so much (´ー`)/! how are you finding commuting? is it worth it 💔?

Sorry I mean in September I’m going to start commuting ! 😭 but I’ve done the journey a few times for campus tours and stuff in the area and the commute is long enough to get work done or chill with my coffee on tik tok so that’s the only benefit lol 🤣 It’s worth it as I’m gonna be going CSM and it’s my dream uni

Reply 4

wawaw9

OP

8

Original post by Anonymous

Sorry I mean in September I’m going to start commuting ! 😭 but I’ve done the journey a few times for campus tours and stuff in the area and the commute is long enough to get work done or chill with my coffee on tik tok so that’s the only benefit lol 🤣 It’s worth it as I’m gonna be going CSM and it’s my dream uni

that's completely valid! UAL CSM is my dream too, hencw why im doung the fd course 🙏 hopefully i'll see you then if i get in! i guess i'll either commute or live with relatives if nothing can be done about a busary 😭

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

Original post by wawaw9

that's completely valid! UAL CSM is my dream too, hencw why im doung the fd course 🙏 hopefully i'll see you then if i get in! i guess i'll either commute or live with relatives if nothing can be done about a busary 😭

Maybe have a look at the UAL hardship fund! They go to people whose household income is under £50k hope that helps :smile:

And yea I’m taking architecture BA so hope your course goes well for u when u get in!

unique problem for a future art student (UAL)

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