The first term at university can be exciting, scary and challenging – and that's just for the parents! But one of the most important lessons for first years who have just left school or college happens outside the lecture halls. Those first few terms can be key for students learning
And the good news is that any outstanding debt will be written off after 40 years. No commercial loans offer this level of protection.Alongside those changes to loan repayment periods were changes to the rate of interest that can be charged. Anna, a student in her fourth year of studies, spends her evenings pulling pints in the student bar. “I think that working is super imperative for me being able to actually afford anything at university. My maintenance loan goes towards my rent, I also get a bursary from the student union so I use that to help me with my living costs but working is my little bit of extra spending money that you need when you’re a student.
“We’re working with the university in partnership to ensure there’s more educational based things or more support from our job link service that can give students a better chance of getting jobs and help with their CVs. We’re also focusing on offering safe warm spaces with microwaves and showers.”Alongside whatever support a student union is offering, many unis have hardship schemes to help out people who are really struggling to make ends meet.
“That’s for two reasons: firstly there is certainly increased demand for it. Secondly, we’ve also promoted it more and that’s really as part of our work around the cost of living where we want to ensure that students who need that funding can access it."