My student loan doesnt even cover my rent

Hi, I’m a first year undergraduate student studying in London. My student maintenance loan is £8000 (takes into account my stepdad’s income instead of my dad’s as I don’t live with my dad) and my rent is £13000 for the full year. My parents can’t afford to send me the money to cover my rent and I’m worried I won’t be able to support myself for the rest of my degree (6 years including this one). I currently have savings from a gap year and am planning on working through the summer but with the increasing demand of my course I don’t know if I’ll be able to work enough whilst keeping up with my studies. I have looked for bursaries and scholarships but I couldn’t find any that I’m eligible for. Does anyone have any experience in this situation? Is there any way I could get help in the future if my savings run out?

I think you need to have an honest conversation with your parents about the cost of uni and how you are going to pay for it. You have a shortfall of £5,000 for rent before you have even factored in your food/transport costs, which is likely to be another £4-5k per year. There is an expectation that parents make up the difference between what you are awarded and the maximum loan. Your parents will be saving money on food and bills now that you have moved out so ask if they can support you by giving you £40/50 per week for food, etc. A weekly amount might be more palatable than a lump sum at the start of each term. Then search for the cheapest accommodation options for future years - your rent is on the high side even for London.