Student Finance England
If you are experiencing delays with your application to Student Finance England (SFE) for a Maintenance Loan and/or a Tuition Fee loan, the following information and frequently asked questions have been prepared to help you.
Q. I haven’t had confirmation of my tuition fee loan yet – can I still enrol with Southampton Solent University (SSU) and start my course?
A. Yes, you need to enrol. After enrolling, bring in your confirmation of funding to your faculty office as soon as you receive it.
Q. I haven’t received any information about my funding for the year…
A. Student Finance England (SFE) is currently processing all applications it has received. To find out the progress of your application you may need to call them on: 0845 300 5090 or go online: www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk and login to see your status. If you have not applied for funding and need to, you should do so immediately.
Q. My funding information is through but only shows the non-means tested Maintenance Loan…
A. Student Finance England has told us that all new entrants will receive their first instalment of the basic non-means tested part of the Maintenance Loan. This will be £1,100 approximately. This should go into your bank account once you have enrolled. Your income-assessed funding, if you are entitled to it, should arrive later into your account once it has been approved by Student Finance England.
Q. I’m going to be staying in a SSU Student Residence, but won’t have enough money to pay my fees by 1 November...
A. Please let our Accommodation Office staff know if you are unable to make your payment. This should be done by no later than 27 October 2009 so that the pre-arranged direct debit payment is not taken from your account. The Accommodation Office staff will then try to help you rearrange a later payment date.
Q. I have booked accommodation with Liberty Living in Mercury or Orion’s Point …
A. Students who have booked accommodation with Liberty Living in Mercury or Orion’s Point are advised to inform the local management team if they are experiencing delays in receiving their maintenance loan. The company are taking a flexible and sympathetic position in respect of payment of rents at all their properties.
Q. I won’t have enough money for food, rent or childcare when I start if my Maintenance Loan isn’t paid...
A. You need to try to open a student bank account with an interest free overdraft facility. If you are still struggling with your finances come and see a Student Funding Adviser (in Students 1st) who will discuss your options and might be able to offer a short term loan. We are also supplying letters for landlords/landladies and childcare providers to explain the situation with Student Finance England so they will hopefully be more understanding about payments.
Q. Will the delays affect payment of my tuition fees?
A. There might be a delay, but you don’t need to worry. If you are entitled to a tuition fee loan, the payment will be made directly to the University.
Q. What’s my CRN or ART ID?
A. This is the Customer Reference Number and Identity number found on any paperwork from SFE which you are allocated for your time as a student. You will need to keep a note of this for your funding throughout your course, and if you ever need to contact SFE.
Q. I am not yet in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) funding. Can I still get support while this is being confirmed?
A. Yes. Access Solent works to support disabled students in reaching their full academic potential. Drop-in to the Reginald Mitchell Building (RM023) between 11-1pm and 2-4pm, Monday to Friday, to register with Access Solent and meet with an adviser to discuss your support needs.
It is helpful if you provide supporting documentary evidence if you have any. This could be an Educational Psychologist's report, a Specialist Teacher's letter or a doctor's letter.
If you need any urgent support, please let us know. Access Solent is based in the Reginald Mitchell Building (RM023) and you can call them on: 023 8031 9201 or email: access@solent.ac.uk||
Q. When can I see a Student Funding Adviser?
A. An adviser is available Mon – Thurs, 10am –12noon and 2pm – 4pm, Fri, 10am-12noon. They are based in Students 1st (RM050) and you can call them on 023 8031 9427 or email: student.funding@solent.ac.uk||.
NB. Advisers will also be available between: 12 noon-4pm on 19-20 September 2009
You can also go to the helpdesk in the main concourse of the Michael Andrews Building from Monday – Friday in the first few weeks of term.
Q. Do I need to do anything else?
A. The important thing is not to panic and keep the University informed of any progress with your funding. We will do our utmost to help and support you in any way we can, but we do need to know about your problems so that we can help.
Useful contacts
SSU Accommodation Office
Tel: 023 8031 9461
Email: accommodation@solent.ac.uk||
SSU Students 1st
Tel: 023 8031 9427
Email: student.funding@solent.ac.uk||
SSU Access Solent
Tel: 023 8031 9201
Email: access@solent.ac.uk||
Student Finance England
Telephone: 0845 300 5090 – available 8am – 8pm Mon- Fri, 9am -5.30pm weekends
University Bursary information.|
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