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Kingston University Living out or Staying home. need opinions

I got Kingston University in Clearing and I live almost 2 hours away, my uni days are 5 days a week and tbh I don't think I'll be able to do almost 4 hours of journey time daily. I haven't applied for a maintenance loan as my initial university was pretty local to me but I wasn't happy with the course or the university so in Clearing, I changed both.

My parents are saying that we agreed that I won't be living out as it's too expensive even if i get a maintenance loan but every so often they ask me if i'll be able to do the journey time. so i feel like im in an odd situation. I really want to live out but the only things holding me back are convincing my parents and trying to figure out how to afford £177 a week for the 'affordable' room. its £201 weekly if i want a 'standard' one. I'm so confused as to what to do and how to do it. Im thinking if I save money this year, I go into accoms for 2nd and 3rd year as they get more serious and the last thing i need is distractions. I'm not worried about 'losing my focus' when i live out bc i'm pretty good in that sense.

If someone could give me their opinion on if I should stay home during the 3 years or live out. I really want to know which is more practical
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by minnie.mouse14
I got Kingston University in Clearing and I live almost 2 hours away, my uni days are 5 days a week and tbh I don't think I'll be able to do almost 4 hours of journey time daily. I haven't applied for a maintenance loan as my initial university was pretty local to me but I wasn't happy with the course or the university so in Clearing, I changed both.

My parents are saying that we agreed that I won't be living out as it's too expensive even if i get a maintenance loan but every so often they ask me if i'll be able to do the journey time. so i feel like im in an odd situation. I really want to live out but the only things holding me back are convincing my parents and trying to figure out how to afford £177 a week for the 'affordable' room. its £201 weekly if i want a 'standard' one. I'm so confused as to what to do and how to do it. Im thinking if I save money this year, I go into accoms for 2nd and 3rd year as they get more serious and the last thing i need is distractions. I'm not worried about 'losing my focus' when i live out bc i'm pretty good in that sense.

If someone could give me their opinion on if I should stay home during the 3 years or live out. I really want to know which is more practical

Apply for a maintenance loan and move to Kingston. You won't be able to manage 4 hours of commuting a day.
Original post by normaw
Apply for a maintenance loan and move to Kingston. You won't be able to manage 4 hours of commuting a day.

That’s what I’m thinking as well but bc i’m muslim, interest is haram and in places we absolutely can’t avoid it, like a mortgage, it’s fine but in places you can avoid it, like a maintenance loan, it’s best to take the absolute minimum like only the tuition loan no maintenance. I’ve done a little research, if take a maintenance loan, i’ll be in 60k debt and yes ik that in 40 years, it’ll be written off anyway but i’ll be left to pay off over 400k by the end of 40 years bc of that interest. again, it’ll be written off anyway but it’s just a never ending cycle. as soon as i start working, i’ll start paying back the loan….. for what. for it to get written off when i retire.

My head is telling me the obvious PRACTICAL answer: take the loan and move out. but my heart is feeling so heavy bc of the islamic side.
Original post by minnie.mouse14
That’s what I’m thinking as well but bc i’m muslim, interest is haram and in places we absolutely can’t avoid it, like a mortgage, it’s fine but in places you can avoid it, like a maintenance loan, it’s best to take the absolute minimum like only the tuition loan no maintenance. I’ve done a little research, if take a maintenance loan, i’ll be in 60k debt and yes ik that in 40 years, it’ll be written off anyway but i’ll be left to pay off over 400k by the end of 40 years bc of that interest. again, it’ll be written off anyway but it’s just a never ending cycle. as soon as i start working, i’ll start paying back the loan….. for what. for it to get written off when i retire.

My head is telling me the obvious PRACTICAL answer: take the loan and move out. but my heart is feeling so heavy bc of the islamic side.


I'm not sure where you got the £400k figure from, but read the following article that explains how student loans work in detail. Pay particular attention to section 4. :smile:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-england-plan-5/
Original post by minnie.mouse14
I got Kingston University in Clearing and I live almost 2 hours away, my uni days are 5 days a week and tbh I don't think I'll be able to do almost 4 hours of journey time daily. I haven't applied for a maintenance loan as my initial university was pretty local to me but I wasn't happy with the course or the university so in Clearing, I changed both.
My parents are saying that we agreed that I won't be living out as it's too expensive even if i get a maintenance loan but every so often they ask me if i'll be able to do the journey time. so i feel like im in an odd situation. I really want to live out but the only things holding me back are convincing my parents and trying to figure out how to afford £177 a week for the 'affordable' room. its £201 weekly if i want a 'standard' one. I'm so confused as to what to do and how to do it. Im thinking if I save money this year, I go into accoms for 2nd and 3rd year as they get more serious and the last thing i need is distractions. I'm not worried about 'losing my focus' when i live out bc i'm pretty good in that sense.
If someone could give me their opinion on if I should stay home during the 3 years or live out. I really want to know which is more practical
Hi @minnie.mouse14

First Welcome to Kingston University, i am sure you will have the best time here.

Practically speaking 4 hours travel everyday for 3 years will be challenging plus the everyday thought in the morning of rushing to class can be anxiety provoking. Having said that living alone managing studies and self is not easy as well.

I would suggest you to start of living at home, and managing classes for the first few months, and then ease your way into living alone near to kingston. This will also give you time to look for part time jobs to support you with your finances.

Hope this helps, Good Luck!

Ravina
(Kingston Student Rep)
(edited 1 month ago)

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