How I Funded My University Degree: A Case Study

Saskia, 22, just graduated from the University of Cambridge with an Upper Second Class degree in Social and Political Science. She is now living and working in London as a researcher. Here she talks about how she juggled university course work with a need to get by financially, and discusses her own ways of staying solvent as a student, with plenty of tips for future undergraduates thrown in.
Planning Ahead
"When I found out I had a place at Cambridge, my first thought was, WOW, I was over the moon – and my second was, oh no, I’m going to have to turn this down, there’s no way I can afford it. The reason was, I thought that Cambridge would have so much work that I’d have more difficulty juggling paid work with academic studies. Luckily, I discovered that planning ahead can really help out.First, I contacted my local education authority and asked about available loans and grants. My family income level meant I was eligible (like everyone) for a full loan to cover my tuition fees, and a partial maintenance grant that is not repayable.
"Next, I contacted my university to find out about any extra sources of funding available. I spoke to the student finance officer who gave me lots of information about all the available bursaries on offer to students who would struggle to otherwise attend uni. Some were very specific - for students of particular subjects, or from one area, but three applied to me and I managed to successfully applied for one of these. This was a very relieving series of events, as it meant I could start uni with a chunk of money to fall back on if necessary.
Re: Cheaper Alternatives: Part Time and Distance Learning
Hi, I'm looking to retrain and start a career cyber security. I am currently unemployed and I…
Re: Applying for Financial Help for a Higher Education Course
Am from Nigeria, i need finacial help to further my education. am from a very poor family…
Re: Finding Charitable Loans and Grants
My name is Ethan and I'm looking for help with paying my tuition fee. I have always dreamt of becoming an Aerospace…
Re: Finding Charitable Loans and Grants
I read MSc Global Criminology in 2017 and was sick afterwards ( had sciatica) and could not pay the the tuition fee…
Re: Education With Company Sponsorship
Please please in need sponsorship for my college tuition or else I won't write my exams and proceed to next year. I have…
Re: What is the Adult Learning Grant and am I Eligible
I’m trying to get help with a dog grooming course to start my own business, it’s 3000, would I be…
Re: Cheaper Alternatives: Part Time and Distance Learning
Iam looking to do a level 3 counselling course but i am on jobseekers allowance would that be a…
Re: Applying for Financial Help for a Higher Education Course
I'm Gadisa Duguma from Ethiopia and I need to further my education to PhD in Biology. To…
Re: Education With Company Sponsorship
I am filling an application to study nursing as an undergraduate at the Calgary University, in Canada. To submit the…
Re: Funding Accommodation Whilst at University
Hi, so if my maintenance loan doesn't even nearly meet my rental costs are there other bursaries or grants to…