Student Funding adviser 1: There are, of course, costs involved in going to university, but at Birmingham we offer financial support to help you meet these costs. We recognise that it’s now more important than ever for you to understand the large number of funding options available, and that managing your finances while trying to focus on your studies can prove to be a difficult task, especially if you're living away from home for the first time.
Student Funding adviser 1, voiceover: For this reason, there are advisers in both the Student Funding Office and the Guild of Students to assist you. The Student Funding Office provides information and advice on the UK government loans and supplementary grants available.
Student Funding adviser 2: This is quite important, it’s a checklist of things that you...
[Conversation between adviser and student continues in the background]
Student Funding adviser 1, voiceover: Additional support by the University is offered in the form of the Birmingham Grant and Scholarship, but there are a variety of other non-repayable bursaries and scholarships which you may also be eligible to apply for. For more information check out the website or play the Money Matters game online.
Student Funding adviser 1: If you do find yourself in real financial hardship you can apply for help, but remember: applications are means-tested and not all are successful.
Student Funding adviser 1, voiceover: Advisers at the Guild of Students can provide assistance with completing hardship fund applications and give advice on managing financial difficulties and budgeting.
Student Funding adviser 1: Knowing that your finances are under control will allow you to relax and enjoy your time here.
Student 1: When I first started at university I only really knew about the Student Loans, but a lot of my friends were actually getting notification letters through for the Birmingham Grant, and I didn't get one. So I went to the Student Services enquiry counter and I spoke to one of the Student Funding Officers there, and they actually took me through the whole process of the Birmingham Grant, and they actually found out that I was eligible, but I hadn't shared my financial details with the Student Loans Company. So I went ahead and did that, and I actually got my payments through on time, so it was really good.
Student 2: I went to the Student Funding Office and the staff were all really welcoming and friendly, which was great because I was a little bit nervous initially about approaching them and, kind of, asking for some help. And they did give me that help, they, kind of, gave me advice on how to budget for the year and, you know, it was all really really positive.
Student 1: Last year I did get into a bit of trouble in terms of my money, so I got in touch with the Student Funding Office and they actually told me about the Access to Learning Fund and they, they walked me through the application process, they told me what documents I needed to fill in and send in and that sort of thing, and I actually did get a grant from them, which allowed me to carry on with university life as normal, so it was actually really useful. When I logged on to the Student Funding Office website I did find that it was very easy to use. It has links on the front page that actually take you to information on Student Loans, grants and scholarships from the University, and they've also got budgeting tips on there as well, so it was very good. I also found a Money Matters game that was linked from the Student Funding Office website and that actually let me play as a virtual student in their first year at university. And it was really good to just get some practical knowledge on student finances, and it was also quite fun to play as well. The Student Funding Office really helped me because they not only allowed me to become more aware of, you know, some of the scholarships and bursaries that I was eligible for, but they also gave me a grant from ALF which meant that I could concentrate a lot more on what I was actually at university to do which is get a good degree, rather than worry about how much money’s in my bank account.
