Starting university is thrilling — new courses, new friends, and a taste of independence. But there’s a reality no one likes to mention: it’s expensive. Rent, travel, special diets, and course materials all add up fast, and bursaries — while helpful — are rarely a full solution. Here’s what you need to know before diving in.
Bursaries Are Helpful… But Not Magic
Bursaries are designed to help with study-related costs, but they’re rarely enough to cover everything. Think of them as a cushion, not a safety net.
Some expenses bursaries usually don’t fully cover:
- Rent: Most provide only partial support.
- Special diets: Gluten-free or dairy-free food can be costly.
- Travel: Ferries, trains, and buses — bursaries may contribute, but rarely enough to fully cover expenses.
Real-world example: My partner lived somewhere requiring both a ferry and a train to reach her course and has gluten and dairy dietary needs. At the same time, I was living with my parents, trying to save for my own flat while covering her rent and other costs. Studying would have been financially unaffordable, even with a bursary. Real-life situations like this show why bursaries are only part of the puzzle.
Universal Credit: Mostly Off the Table
Universal Credit (UC) can help with living costs, but full-time students without children or health issues usually cannot claim it. You may qualify only if you:
- Have a dependent child
- Are under 21 and not supported by parents
- Have a disability or health condition affecting work
If none of these apply, UC won’t be a financial backup. You’re expected to rely on bursaries, loans, or other funding sources.
Couples and Working Partners
Things get trickier when living with a partner who works 25+ hours a week or earns above minimum wage. Most bursaries are means-tested, which considers household income.
- The student may receive a reduced bursary or be ineligible.
- The working partner is often expected to contribute to course costs — tuition, materials, and other study-related expenses.
Example: Jamie studies full-time while Alex works over 25 hours per week. Jamie’s travel, rent, and dietary costs are high, but bursary support is limited because Alex’s income counts toward the household. Alex may also be expected to help cover course costs. This shows why planning is essential for couples in this situation.
When Extra College Support Isn’t Accessible
Even if bursaries are limited, many students hope for hardship funds, travel grants, or discretionary support. But sometimes, the college may deem these not accessible, meaning:
- The student doesn’t meet eligibility criteria (e.g., household income too high, full-time student with no dependents).
- Funding is limited or already allocated to other students.
- Certain programs are restricted to specific groups (students with disabilities, carers, or low-income households).
Consequences:
- Students may have to cover all costs themselves, relying on savings or part-time work.
- Studying could become financially unviable, especially with high travel costs, dietary needs, or remote living.
- Couples may feel extra pressure, as the working partner may need to cover both living and course expenses.
Practical steps:
- Look for external scholarships or grants from charities, local councils, or organizations.
- Explore emergency funding from community programs.
- Consider flexible work-study arrangements, if permitted.
- Use appeals or reviews for financial decisions if circumstances are extreme.
Emotional and Financial Realities for Couples
Financial decisions around studying don’t just involve numbers — they also affect relationships. In some cases, one partner may blame the other for being unable to study, without recognizing the real constraints:
- A bursary may not cover all costs, or may require the other partner to pay tuition.
- Studying might simply be financially unaffordable, given rent, travel, dietary needs, and other living expenses.
- If considering a student loan, it’s crucial to ensure that the loan would realistically cover all household expenses, not just tuition, to avoid further strain.
Understanding both the financial and emotional realities can help couples plan better and avoid unfair blame while navigating full-time study.
Bottom Line
- Bursaries rarely cover everything, so budget for rent, food, and travel.
- UC is mostly off the table for full-time students without children or health issues.
- Real-life examples matter — travel, diet, living arrangements, and partner income all affect bursary support.
- Working partners may be expected to contribute to course costs, reducing available support.
- College-deemed inaccessible funds may further limit options, making planning and alternative funding essential.
- Student loans must be calculated carefully to ensure all household expenses are realistically covered.
- Explore external scholarships, hardship funds, and flexible arrangements to fill gaps.
- Plan carefully — juggling costs while studying is a reality for many.
Conclusion:
Studying full-time is exciting, but financial planning is crucial. Bursaries are a helpful start, but they rarely cover everything. Understanding household income, travel needs, dietary costs, partner contributions, and the accessibility of college support ahead of time can save stress and make your study journey much smoother.
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