Access to Learning Funds:
Universities do have funds to help some students with an unexpected financial problem. If you find yourself in financial difficulty at university, ask Student Services or your Personal Tutor about the Access to Learning Fund. They may well be able to help. Remember to talk – a problem shared gets sorted much quicker.

Q. - What if I work part-time during my course?
A. - Many students work part-time whilst studying at university to help out with their expenses.

Q. - Can I get extra money if I have a disability?
A. - YES
Let your university know if you have a disability – you should be able to claim a non-repayable grant from your university or college. These can be quite generous so it is worth claiming! Disability includes both physical and learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dysphasia.

SKILL the National Bureau for Students with Disability produce a Guide to Higher Education each year. Visit www.skill.org.uk for more details.

All universities and colleges have Disability Officers or Advisors – it is worth contacting them if you have specific needs to see just how they can support you with your studies and accommodation.

Here in Surrey, Aimhigher is working with local colleges and universities to provide a local Disability Officers ‘Contacts List’ and an ‘applying to university Checklist’ for students with disabilities. Please contact the Ah Surrey office for more details.

Q. - What if I am a parent?
A. - You should approach your university to see what childcare facilities they have – many universities have onsite nurseries, and play schemes during the holidays for older children, but they are very popular so apply early.

Q. - What will happen to my state benefits?
A. - You will not normally receive state benefits as a young person in Higher Education – however some students with disabilities and lone parents may continue to be entitled to some income-related benefits. go to www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinances for more information.