Aceess to Learning Fund

ACCESS TO LEARNING FUND

It is very likely that your student support will not be enough to cover your essential living costs, so you may need to consider income from other sources such as part time work and the Access to Learning Fund. You can download an application form and get more information or pick one up from the Student Advice Centre (University of Kent students only, students studying with the other universities should contact them direct for how to apply). 

To make an application you will need an appointment with a Student Adviser, who will go through the completed form with you and submit your application to the Student Financial Aid Office. You must also provide evidence to support your application.

THE SOONER YOU APPLY, THE BETTER

Work out your budget….

You will have to think about what you need to spend your money on, and make sure that the essentials are paid for first.  Your priorities should be:

• rent

• gas, electricity and water bills

• food

• travel

• course costs such as books   

Work out how much all of these cost, so that you know how much money you have left to spend on other things. 

Opening a student bank account may help, as these normally offer an interest-free overdraft facility. They also tend to offer good freebies such as railcards, which are worth getting.  As with any bank account it's worth shopping around to find out which bank is offering the best deal for you.

To find out more about the various bank accounts on offer, take a look at:

moneysupermarket.com
AWD money extra
British Bankers' Association