The whole student loans debacle may have left you with only part of your loan, none of it, or it may just have left you very skint. Either way, there is help available. Every university including Christ Church has its own hardship fund, otherwise known as the Access to Learning Fund. “But I wouldn’t qualify because my parents earn too much” I hear you crying. The ALF is unlike the student loans application process. You don’t have to provide details of your parents’ earnings, just what they give you. So if they earn a lot but you see none of it, this won’t affect your application. In fact the university will work out if you are entitled to any help by weighing up your outgoings against your incomings. And if your outgoings are visibly higher than your incomings, you will most likely be entitled to help. However you must be attending lectures and seminars (you will need a signature from your programme director) and you have to provide bank statements.

There are other places to go to for assistance. You may be entitled to a university bursary or scholarship, for which the application process may not be as long-winded. Even some companies and charities offer financial help. www.direct.gov.uk is worth visiting for more information on the Access to Learning Fund, and Student Support in Augustine House will be able to answer any questions you might have.

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