The first thing to do is to make sure you are getting all the money you are entitled to. If you’d like help with this process, sometimes called Income Maximisation, contact the Advice Centre staff who will be happy to check this for you.
Rent Arrears
Rent is your biggest priority. Never, ever skip this months rent because you think you’ll catch up next month. You won’t. Nothing is more important than the roof over your head. Don’t kid yourself that the landlord can’t really make you homeless. If you fall behind with your rent you are putting yourself at risk of eviction.
Having said that, you do have some rights as a tenant — your landlord has to go through a set legal procedure in order to evict you, and you’ll probably find you have some time to sort things out. If you are worried, call into The Advice Centre for a confidential chat with one of the advice workers.
If you are struggling with your accommodation costs, and you’re getting all the student loan you are entitled to, you might be entitled to some help from the HEI Discretionary Fund or University Hardship Fund. Please see the Financial Aid page for the eligibility criteria and downloadable application forms, or contact the Advice Centre for further help.
Debt owed to the University
The University has a pretty strict policy on debt, which you can read here for undergraduates and here for postgraduate students.
As you’ll see, depending on your circumstances there is some room for manoeuvre.
If you are a continuing student and have tuition-fee debt owed to the University, you will not be able to re-register or gain access to the library for the upcoming academic year. In certain circumstances the University will allow you to re-register if you’ve entered into a repayment plan with them and the SRC Advice Centre can provide you with help and advice on the best way to put a realistic and sustainable offer to the University.
If you are in this situation, need assistance or advice on submitting a repayment plan, or have concerns about debt or financial problems you should contact the Advice Centre.
Also, see our section on Consumer Debt and Arrears.