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The average student budget in London is a mere £9,000 excluding tuitions. London, as we’re sure you’ll know, has a reputation for being an expensive place to live. If you know that money is likely to be a problem during your time at university, there are of course a number of avenues you can look into for help.
- Student loan
These are the saviour of many a student. The Student Loans Company runs a loan scheme for domestic students, which equates to around £9,000 per year (this can vary depending on financial background, and being in London can sometimes mean you receive more). This does have to be paid back, but only when you start earning over a certain amount after university. If you haven’t already applied and are unsure as to how to go about doing so, then speak to the Students’ Union or the welfare office at your university, they will be able to help.
If you’re an international student staying in the UK for your studies, there are alternative arrangements. Again we recommend that you speak to your university as they will have the professional advice on hand.
- University grants and bursaries
if you’re new to university, you will soon find that they offer a lot more than lectures and exams. A large proportion of the university’s time is given over to ensuring the wellbeing of their students. In this respect, they have a certain capacity to provide financial help for those of their students who are really struggling to make ends meet. If you do find yourself in this position, don’t delay in bringing it to your university’s attention – you may find they can either help directly or offer you valuable advice on how to cope.
Of course, before you can set yourself up with the necessary financial framework, there will undoubtedly be a couple of weeks in which you have to make do with what you have. Don’t worry though, whether it’s student Oyster cards or budget restaurants, if you go through this website you’ll find plenty of varied ways to make London affordable, without losing out on any of the excitement.
By Nick Sidwell
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