Hi everyone, since Student Finance has opened, I thought I would use this blog to provide five top tips for completing your application!
1. You don’t need an offer to apply
If you are still waiting for offers, no problem, you can still apply! Complete your application using your first preferred university and course, and if this changes you can update your application later on.
2. Make sure your application details are correct
Have your UCAS course code to hand and choose the correct academic year and mode of study i.e. full-time – this is very important if you don’t want your loan delayed.
3. Provide any supporting documentation quickly
You might be asked to send original documents with your application, if you are, send any documents requested from Student Finance by recorded delivery and track the delivery as you definitely won’t want them to get lost in the post.
4. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions
Lots of support and guidance is offered by Student Finance themselves in the Student Finance Zone – scroll down to the bottom of the page for links to your correct student finance as they are different depending on where you live in the UK. Just make sure you apply before the deadline to get your money on time. In my case I applied through Student Finance NI. Additionally, if you still have any questions you can email [email protected]
5. Enrol promptly to release your funding in September
Your first payment is usually made around 3-5 working days after you are registered on course and the Uni has confirmed your attendance with Student Finance so it is important you complete your enrolment. Details are sent out to firm choice students over the summer so look out for that.
Thanks for reading and good luck 🙂