Students urged to fix their finances
THE Student Loans Company (SLC) has urged young scholars from Runcorn and Widnes to make putting their finances in shape for 2017 a New Year’s Resolution.
The company has come up with tips to help those just entering higher education and those returning after the winter break to make their application process for as smooth as possible.
An SLC spokesman said students just beginning their course should make an early start on finding out what funding could be available at gov.uk/ studentfinance or studentfinancewales.co.uk, look into maintenance loan eligibility, dig out their National Insurance number and passport details to have them to hand and keep a note of the email address they use when applying and inventing a memorable password.
He said returning students should collate any details that have changed since last y year,, inform Finance England right away – the fastest way is online, beware of fraudsters trying steal student finances by sending phishing emails claiming to be from SLC or Student Finance England, send any suspicious emails to phishing@slc.co.uk and never post bank details online or disclose them in an email or text.
Parents and partners can do their bit for loved ones by providing any evidence if required as a sponsor and submit it quickly, providing financial and personal information.
Incorrect information can jeopardise applications.
Derek Ross, SLC customer services and operations director, said: “We are expecting to process almost 2m applications next year, so it makes sense to get your application in early.
“Even if you don’t have a place on a confirmed place on a course you can still apply for funding when the service opens early next y year.” ●