Gap year due to finance?
Should i take a gap year to save up money?
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
Reply 1
13
Hi, I'm currently on a gap year
I genuinely hope gap years become the new standard, I find it liberating that I will be more financially secure when I enter university, knowing that I won't have to get a job alongside my degree in order to live sustainably, having something to fall back on and not have to rely on my parents.
I don't know why a lot of people say that about gap years, if anything I have an even stronger urge to go to university, it's the one thing driving me through this gap year. It really depends on the person, I'm quite fond of being in the academic sphere, being out of it feels sort of alien, but also really important in developing my skills and portfolio, and my wellbeing. It feels great knowing I'm not under much pressure right now, allowing me to rest up and recover from the Hell that is A-Levels.
A gap year isn't just about earning money though, it's about making skills that employers value for when you graduate, it's about networking and getting your foot in the door in your desired industry compared to your classmates, it's about developing your portfolio by doing online courses or attending special events which can make you seem more developed and attractive to employers.
You should not (and must not) rush your entry into university. It is a major financial burden on many upon graduation, it is emotionally taxing, and while it can help later in the future, you should (unless you have a ton of money) carefully select your degree and research everything possible around it, otherwise you'll get a degree and be broke upon graduation and are only able to secure entry-level jobs.
I genuinely hope gap years become the new standard, I find it liberating that I will be more financially secure when I enter university, knowing that I won't have to get a job alongside my degree in order to live sustainably, having something to fall back on and not have to rely on my parents.
I don't know why a lot of people say that about gap years, if anything I have an even stronger urge to go to university, it's the one thing driving me through this gap year. It really depends on the person, I'm quite fond of being in the academic sphere, being out of it feels sort of alien, but also really important in developing my skills and portfolio, and my wellbeing. It feels great knowing I'm not under much pressure right now, allowing me to rest up and recover from the Hell that is A-Levels.
A gap year isn't just about earning money though, it's about making skills that employers value for when you graduate, it's about networking and getting your foot in the door in your desired industry compared to your classmates, it's about developing your portfolio by doing online courses or attending special events which can make you seem more developed and attractive to employers.
You should not (and must not) rush your entry into university. It is a major financial burden on many upon graduation, it is emotionally taxing, and while it can help later in the future, you should (unless you have a ton of money) carefully select your degree and research everything possible around it, otherwise you'll get a degree and be broke upon graduation and are only able to secure entry-level jobs.
Reply 2
Original post
by jde178Should i take a gap year to save up money?
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
Hi there
! My name is Molly, I’m a student rep at MMU. I completely understand your financial concerns during your time at uni. For the same reasons I also took a gap year before beginning my first year. I personally would highly recommend a gap year! I worked a waitressing job full time during my gap year which allowed to me to save a lot. First year can be very expensive, especially during freshers because you want to be putting yourself out there and saying yes to all plans to make friends. Going out for coffees and nights out can really add up, but it’s an essential part of uni life.
My mum also had the same worry that I wouldn’t end up attending. I just assured her that it was still the plan and often brought it up in conversation so that she knew that was still where my head was at. But ultimately, if you take time out and decide it’s not for you obviously that’s okay too!
If a gap year is best for you, go for it!
Also, just to add, MMU offer plenty of financial help once you are here if that’s where you decide to head. There’s a day-to-day support fund that MMU offer which is just fab, it offers a bit of extra support for living expenses based on what you’re spending during your time at uni. Just thought I’d add that to put your mind at ease about finances if that’s the sole reasoning behind your gap year thoughts.
Hope this helps,
Molly
xReply 3
20
Original post
by jde178On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication
If your reference to medication is the cost of paying NHS prescription charges, then there's a couple of things to look at:
(1) The NHS Low Income Scheme gives free prescriptions if you qualify for full help with health costs
(2) A Prescription Prepayment Certificate will save you money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 4
Original post
by jde178Should i take a gap year to save up money?
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
Hi!
I'm Tee, a student content creator and final year Illustration student here at University of Staffordshire
I completely understand how you feel in regards to your financial concerns. Unfortunately there's not a lot SFE will do to boost your maintenance loan, however there are ways that you can make things easier for yourself! I actually considered taking a gap year myself. Below are some tips from myself, and then what we also offer here at Uni of Staffordshire!
1.
Take a gap year (if you feel that's best!) I don't know why gap years are so looked down on...I believe they're perfectly normal and they simply allow you to have a breather and prepare yourself. I've got a few friends who've taken them between college and uni, and then also midway through their studies. I think as long as you have a plan and know what you want/need to do during that break, then it shouldn't be a problem.
2.
Look into help from the NHS for prescriptions, you may be entitled to some support from them, I personally have a HC2 form, which gives me full-help towards prescriptions, appointments and eye tests (and more!) Not many people know about it but it's worth looking into! Here's the link: https://www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs
3.
Look at any support funds and bursaries offered at the unis! I have had to access these before, and the teams will do what they can to help you out. More info here: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/student-life/fees-and-finance/additional-funding/grants-and-funding
4.
Consider applying for a part-time job whilst you're studying, or even over the summer. I have had many jobs whilst I've studied from retail to hospitality, to marketing and running my own small business! There's a lot of options (I'm a bit of a busy bee😅) but another option is to work for your university👀 UoS works with Unitemps to offer you jobs that can be done around your studies (which is what the Student Content Creator role is under - best decision I've ever made honestly!) You can prioritise your studies whilst gaining experience in various roles! Here's the link to the Unitemps website: https://www.unitemps.com/
Best of luck and take care!
-Tee😊
Reply 5
Original post
by jde178Should i take a gap year to save up money?
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
My parents make £65k before tax so I won’t get a high maintenance loan but they can’t give me money except possibly £20-30 a week for food. I’m looking at Falmouth arts, Norwich Uni of arts, Manchester Met , Leeds arts and Staffordshire but In Norwich/Falmouth i’ll have a low chance of getting a job i think due to the smaller populations. On top of food, rent, travel, I have to pay for medication and save up for surgery, art supplies, buy a new laptop etc.
My mum doesn’t want me to take a gap year because she thinks I won’t go to university and ‘university can’t let you starve and go w/o money’ but they absolutely can?? Idk what to do. My parents have no faith in me or my decision but they aren’t helping me in anyway, not even researching student finance or anything to help me out a bit.
Hi,
We know that starting university and planning finances can be a worrying time. However, at Leeds Arts University we offer different options for financial support during your time with us. You can apply for our Skin's Chancellor Scholarship which offers two home students a cash scholarship to help with their general living and maintenance costs.
https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/scholarships/skin-s-chancellor-scholarship
In addition, Leeds is a large city with plenty of opportunities to find part-time jobs which you can balance with your studies. You can also apply to become a Student Ambassador for the University, which is a paid role and would give you the opportunity to work at a range of events throughout the academic year. Our Careers, Employability and Enterprise team has a newsletter that advertises different opportunities and live paid briefs with external companies throughout the year.
Once you have started your course and paid your fees, you may also be eligible to apply for financial help from the Higher Education Hardship Fund. You can find out more details below.
https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate-fees-and-finance
I hope that helps and please let me know if you have any questions.
Leeds Arts University Rep
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