Residence permit

Hi, I’m a refugee in the Uk. I’m studying Access to HE business and management at Coventry college now . I applied for Student finance as I’ll start university inSeptember to study international finance and accounting.
I’ve been in the Uk for 5 years so my RESIDENCE PERMIT has expired, I did the interview for the new RESIDENCE PERMIT . However, it takes up to three- four months for it to arrive. I can’t wait and need to apply for student finance now. I’m thinking about sending the application with the old RESIDENCE PERMIT and the document that shows that I applied for new one and it’s coming with a cover letter explaining my situation. Is there anything else I have to do or send to them? I’m afraid that I lose my place at university.