Money FAQs for beginning of term 2019/20

At the start of term, the Financial Guidance team receive many queries relating to student finance and funding. Here is a list of the most typical questions – and answers – to help you while you study with us.

My loan is late – what should I do?

Has your application been fully assessed yet? Log onto your online account or contact Student Finance to check that you have submitted all of the relevant information and completed your declarations.

After enrolment, it can take up to five working days for the first instalment of funding to be paid. If you’ve been fully financially assessed and are still waiting after this time, contact Student Finance to check they have received confirmation of your attendance from the University; there may sometimes be a delay if you are repeating full-time study on a part-time basis.

If you have not yet been fully assessed or your first instalment of funding is delayed, you may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Loan of up to £250 to help cover your essential costs.

Have you applied for a student bank account? These often have an interest-free overdraft facility (terms and conditions apply). Further information is available online from Money Saving Expert and Save the Student.

I’m living in Halls – when is my rent due?

You can check your rent payments by logging into the Accommodation portal – this link will have already been emailed to you when you applied for a room in Halls. Please check your email in-boxes for details, and contact the Accommodation team if you have any queries.

I can’t afford to pay my rent – what can I do?

Don’t ignore the problem – if you are living in Halls, speak to the Income team, or your landlord or letting agency if you are renting privately. Discuss with them when you expect to be able to pay. If you cannot afford to pay the outstanding amount in one instalment, consider suggesting a payment plan, but be realistic about how much you can afford.

If you are having difficulty negotiating with your landlord, guidance is available from Madie Patel, Private Sector Housing Officer, as well as Northampton Citizens Advice .

For details of part-time work opportunities, contact Unitemps.

The Financial Guidance blog and NSMW pages have lots of information and useful links about budgeting and money management.

Have you applied for a student bank account? These often have an interest-free overdraft facility (terms and conditions apply), further information is available online from Money Saving Expert and Save the Student.

I can’t afford to pay my tuition fees – what can I do?

Are you eligible to apply for funding from the government? Check online for further details.

Contact the Income team to discuss when you expect to be able to pay your fees. If you cannot afford to pay the outstanding amount in one instalment, consider a payment plan, but be realistic about how much you can afford.

You may be eligible to apply for the Financial Assistance Fund or EU Hardship Fund (eligibility criteria apply) for help towards living costs; please be aware that tuition fees are not included within assessments.

Think about ways to increase your income and cut down on spending  – the Financial Guidance blog and NSMW pages have lots of information and useful links about budgeting and money management.

Consider getting a part-time job – for details of opportunities, contact Unitemps.

Think about ways to increase your income and cut down on spending  – the Financial Guidance blog and NSMW pages have lots of information and useful links about budgeting and money management.

Have you applied for a student bank account? These often have an interest-free overdraft facility (terms and conditions apply), further information is available online from Money Saving Expert and Save the Student.

Am I eligible for additional funding?

Details of bursaries and scholarships including eligibility criteria and payment dates can be found on our website.

You may be eligible to apply for the Financial Assistance Fund or EU Hardship Fund (eligibility criteria apply) for help towards living costs.

We hope this is helpful. If you have further questions, please contact us .