Starting course in 6 days and still no word from student finance.

I start Archaeology at Cardiff Uni and had to change the institution on my finance application 8 weeks ago as it's my insurance choice.

I'm enrolled. I'm living in a new flat with my partner but we're financially insecure as the maintenance loan that's supposed to help with my rent is nowhere to be found.

Student finance say they're still processing it, i'm having to dip into my life savings (which I am also using to pay tuition btw) to cover rent and food shops- we're both seeking employment.

Calling student finance is useless, i've been waiting on the phone for nearly 2 hours now. My SFE account has stayed the exact same for 8 weeks and I don't even know if I can even afford my rent.

What can I do? I'm terrified.

Original post by jacikikibelcher

I start Archaeology at Cardiff Uni and had to change the institution on my finance application 8 weeks ago as it's my insurance choice.
I'm enrolled. I'm living in a new flat with my partner but we're financially insecure as the maintenance loan that's supposed to help with my rent is nowhere to be found.
Student finance say they're still processing it, i'm having to dip into my life savings (which I am also using to pay tuition btw) to cover rent and food shops- we're both seeking employment.
Calling student finance is useless, i've been waiting on the phone for nearly 2 hours now. My SFE account has stayed the exact same for 8 weeks and I don't even know if I can even afford my rent.
What can I do? I'm terrified.

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear about this, it sounds like a really stressful position to be in. Since you haven't had a response from Student Finance, I recommend contacting the University's Student Advice and Money team, they are able to give practical advice on your situation. You can contact them through Student Connect which you can access through the university's Intranet. You can find more information about accessing them at the link here.

There is a possibility that you may be able to access the Financial Assistance Programme (hardship fund) – which can help with unexpected short term financial problems, although terms and conditions apply.

The Student Union, whilst associated with the university but a separate organisation, may be able to offer some advice as well. They have some useful stuff on their website, plus their contact information in case you wanted to speak to them, on this page here.

Hopefully this is helpful, if you'd like to, do update us on how things go!

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by jacikikibelcher

I start Archaeology at Cardiff Uni and had to change the institution on my finance application 8 weeks ago as it's my insurance choice.

I'm enrolled. I'm living in a new flat with my partner but we're financially insecure as the maintenance loan that's supposed to help with my rent is nowhere to be found.

Student finance say they're still processing it, i'm having to dip into my life savings (which I am also using to pay tuition btw) to cover rent and food shops- we're both seeking employment.

Calling student finance is useless, i've been waiting on the phone for nearly 2 hours now. My SFE account has stayed the exact same for 8 weeks and I don't even know if I can even afford my rent.

What can I do? I'm terrified.

Log in to your SFE account during office hours and use the live chat function to talk to an adviser.

Starting course in 6 days and still no word from student finance.

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