Student finances

Hi, I’m currently in year 12, but will be applying to uni in December so I’ve began to think about my options.
I qualify for the lowest maintenance loan, but my parents will not be able to support me as I have 2 other siblings.
I’ve worked out that with my maintenance loan I’ll probably be able to cover around half the cost of accom but that is it, and the rest of my rent and all other expenses would be completely down to me with a part time job, but on minimum wage on the max hours I’d be able to work, it leaves me with £11 per month left after all else is paid, and this does not include going out or travelling back home .
Is there a way to get more sfe, or is this just how it is?

Hi there,
Have you had a source of your own income for the past 3 years, for example through employment or savings?
Thanks, Graeme

No, but how am I meant to support myself with just under £7000 a year in London? I’d be working 20 hrs a week on min wage and I’d have £11 left, how is this ok? My parents can offer me no help

Thanks. If you're under 25 then you'd either need to have the 3 years of self support prior to the start of the course or be assessed based on your parents earnings. I would then advise checking with the university to see if you qualify through them for any bursaries or grants or additional funding. Thanks, Jason

I don’t. My household income qualifies for the lowest SFE. All uni bursaries and grants I also don’t qualify. How am I meant to have 3 years of financial independence, I’m only 17 that would be extremely illegal. I’ve had zero help from SFE, they have told me to get married as they will look at my husbands earnings, and now I’m being told to be financially independent for 3 years, wtf is this?? This is so disgusting. My parents can’t help me. I’ve also been told by SFE to apply for unis I want to go to away from home, and to “just defer my place if I can’t afford it” this whole attitude and system needs to be re-looked at as it is literally disgusting to say these things to a 17 year old.