Is it mandatory to get a maintenance loan

I'm still sorting out my student finance but I'm not sure if I should get a maintenance loan will the student loan not be enough?

Reply 1

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by shimmyjimmyfor3

I'm still sorting out my student finance but I'm not sure if I should get a maintenance loan will the student loan not be enough?

Hiya 👋

It's not mandatory to get a loan if you're able to self-fund.

The student loan covers your tuition fees, which gets paid directly to the University. A maintenance loan goes into your bank account and you can use it to contribute towards your living costs. Think about if you can afford rent, food, travel etc on your own or if you will need a maintenance loan to help pay for things.

Both of these loans need to be paid back when you graduate and start earning above the pay-back threshold. Look into grants and bursaries as well, as you might be eligible for a grant that doesn't need to be paid back.

Hope that helps!
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by shimmyjimmyfor3

I'm still sorting out my student finance but I'm not sure if I should get a maintenance loan will the student loan not be enough?

The loans are known as the tuition fee loan and the maintenance loan. You can apply for both or one or neither. If you don't have another source of income, then you will need to apply for a maintenance loan to help pay for your accommodation, food, travel, social life, etc. The tuition fee loan is paid directly to your uni to cover just the cost of you course.