If you are hoping to start an undergraduate degree at university in September 2013, you should have already applied for funding from Student Finance at www.gov.uk/student-finance
To guarantee that everything will be in place for the start of the academic year, you should have applied by 31 May 2013.
If you have applied, you will have received a pack of letters (also available online) from Student Finance which outlines your funding entitlement. It is a good idea to bring the letters to university with you, although you can always print them from your online account if needed. Your pack will include a 'Declaration Form'. In order to receive the loans and grants you are entitled to you must make sure that you have signed and returned the form as soon as possible.
It is also a good idea to check that you have entered the correct bank details on your online Student Finance account. Remember, all payments for living costs will be paid into this bank account.
Once you arrive at university, you will have to register or enrol at your university, whether this is online, in person or both. Once this is completed your university will confirm your attendance to Student Finance and after three to four working days the first loan and/or grant payment will go into your nominated bank account. Make sure you also bring some money with you for the first few days at university so you don't miss out on any activities in the first week.
Your loan and/or grant is paid in three instalments during the academic year, in line with the start of each term. The first instalment is paid as advised above, with the subsequent ones paid at the start of term two (usually in early January) and at the start of term three (in April or May). It is important to check the payment dates carefully to help with your budget.
Your tuition fee loan is paid direct to the university by Student Finance − you will not see any transactions through your bank account for fees unless you have chosen to pay them yourself.
Unfortunately not everyone gets a place at their 'firm' choice university, so if you take up your 'insurance' choice or accept an offer through clearing, you will need to update your online Student Finance account as soon as possible and definitely before 1 September. After this date you can no longer amend your online account and the university you attend will need to advise Student Finance of the change. The original university named on your application should automatically confirm to Student Finance that you have not registered with them. If you are concerned about this, contact the financial support or student services team at the university you are attending.
If you are taking an NHS funded course you should have applied for a bursary via the NHS Bursary Online Support System (BOSS). For more information please visit the NHS web page at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/4002.aspx
You can register and apply now – to ensure your funding will be in place for the start of the academic year the deadline is 13 August 2013. If you are also eligible to apply for a means tested bursary, you can apply for a reduced rate loan from Student Finance. You will need to complete a separate application for this.
If you have missed the deadlines for either Student Finance or NHS funding don't panic. These deadlines guarantee that your funding will be in place for the start of the academic year, but you can still apply to Student Finance for funding up to nine months from the start of you course and up to six months from the start of your course for NHS funding. However, missing the deadlines means you may need to think carefully about how you will fund your first few weeks at university.
Occasionally, students can experience problems in sorting out their funding. Remember, there are staff at your university who are experienced in assisting students with this type of problem so please contact them if you need help or advice.
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