University

[Abigail]

I've got my finance forms through already for next year. My LEA seem to have things sorted compared to other areas. I sent my form in late for 09/10 and still got my payment on time.

Forms for 2010/2011 are online now. If you have a disability (including dyslexia, mental illness, invisible and physical disabilities) you can apply for disabled students' allowance and the special support grant. The SSG is slightly more than the maintenance grant and it doesn't affect your entitlement to the full loan like the MG does. The special support grant is to cover transport costs, extra food (if you have an intolerance), a fridge to keep medicines in (although some uni's will provide this) and other essential things you need.

Also, if you're 19 or over and not working, fill in a HC1 form to get free prescriptions, travel expenses for appointments, sight tests and dental treatment. Even if you are working part time, you probably won't earn above the threshold or have enough savings to not qualify. I don't work, get just below the full SSG/loan/bursary entitlement and qualify for the benefit.

[StarsOfCCTV]

Annual bus pass - £279. Annual car parking permit - £79. See I'm all for saving the environment but.. £200 is almost one months rent!

[Abigail]

Have you added on the cost of running a car though? Whilst it does seem that using a car is cheaper, you've got MOT, tax, insurance, fuel etc to consider too. And it depends how far you live from campus and how long the bus takes and how often you'd use the bus... Lots to consider I guess.

I do see where you're coming from though. Why use public transport when a car is often cheaper, especially for long journeys. Plus you don't have to put up with screaming kids, teenagers playing their music out of phones and smelly people. There are lots of advantages to using a car

[Abbie]

I can just walk at uni, Ive never used a bus there!

[Katy]

thats what i miss about uni the fact i could walk everywhere and never had to use a bus. The public transport is much better in greater manchester as the buses and trains are pretty regular and they have bus lanes and stuff so the traffic isnt as bad.

[Kim]

I don't plan on using a bus at uni either. I've had enough of them to last me for the next 4 years haha. Thank goodness for campus unis, just got to get in now.

[Abbie]

Thats one thing I dont like about being back at home, I feel like I havent done enough walking, i feel more lazy here than at uni

[Abigail]

Thats one thing I dont like about being back at home, I feel like I havent done enough walking, i feel more lazy here than at uni

That's the worst thing. I've put on about half a stone this summer, most of my trousers don't fit me. I just don't get the exercise I'm used to at uni. Its not as if I've been drinking alcohol that much either, which is even more annoying.

I'm moving back to uni on Saturday Much longer with my parents and I will go crazy. I need space and privacy; my mum still hasn't learnt to knock before she walks into my room and still demands to know where I'm going, with whom and what time I'll be back - because she refuses to give me a door key. I got a key to my sister's house before they even moved into it yet my mum has never given me a set of keys to this house. Its not even the convenience of it that bothers me, its what it symbolises.

I've pretty much packed everything already, just got the essentials to do on Friday night. I'm so excited.

[Kim]

I'm fed up here too. That's terrible; my parents still want to know what time I'll be back but at least my mum knocks before she comes into my room.

I've already packed some stuff for uni and results aren't even out yet

[Perdita]

Although I appreciate that it is annoying, parents are worried when their children leave home, regardless of how old they are and whether they come home to the parent's home or their own, guess you need to be a parent to understand the need to know where the son or daughter is going to and when to expect them back home, it is because they care and love you.