UCAS - Time to think about student finance

Time to think about student finance - help is at hand

There are loads of ways to find out about student finance.

If you've sent off your application or are still thinking about whether or not to go to university this year, student finance is undoubtedly one area you will need to think about. And while it may seem like a daunting prospect, there are loads of resources at hand to help you make the right decisions.

A new survey shows students starting university this year are already planning their finances, nine months before university term starts. The poll from the Student Finance England found around three-quarters have started thinking about their 2012/13 student finance and roughly half are proactive in their planning by highlighting the student finance deadline date in their diaries or checking social media and online sources for advice.

Ben Rutter, student finance consultant for the London area, said: "You don't need a confirmed university place to apply, you can choose the course you're most likely to start and update it later. Applying online early means that you will have your finances sorted for starting university in autumn."

Student Finance England, part of the Student Loans Company, processes all loan and grant applications for students in England. It has lots of advice and guidance for those considering going to university in 2012/13.

With student finance clearly at the forefront of applicants' minds, the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information and Bournemouth University have teamed up to produce a video that sets out to bust some of the myths surrounding the student fee increases for 2012. You can find it on our Facebook page by going through UCAS Connect.

"It's well worth a look if this year's fees have made you think twice about applying to university this year," our advisors say.

This is just one thing the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information is doing to ensure you know all the facts. It is being headed up by Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, who thinks it is vital for you to be properly informed about student finance, from tuition fees to bursaries.

He says: "Prospective students are making their decision based on headline fee levels rather than how much it's actually likely to cost them. Many students, especially from lower income families, are unnecessarily being put off. We need ensure they understand how it really works so they can make an informed decision."

The UCAS website also has loads of information on the cost of studying in the UK for 2012 entry and the support available. The Taskforce has also produced a new app for 2012 applicants, viewable on any smartphone by visiting www.unifees2012.com.

Remember, UCAS does not deal with student finance, but information can be found here, where you can read up on key facts and how to apply.

2012-01-19

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