Money Worries
*Banking
Shop around for banks, as some will have better deals than others for students. Try to look past the freebies and check out features such as the interest-free overdraft facilities. If you are an international student, some banks may be reluctant to give you an overdraft and other credit facilities, so be careful when choosing. Also, be very wary about using credit cards. It's tempting, but they are the greatest cause of student debt.
If you do start to approach your overdraft limit, go and see the bank before the situation spirals out of control. They will often extend your overdraft (temporarily or permanently) if you ask them to. The most important thing is not to 'retreat' from the situation. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away and could result in expensive charges and a bad record for the future. Keep up negotiations, be honest, and people will do their best to help you.
*Loans
Keep yourself abreast of news with the Student Loans Company ([www.slc.co.uk]). However, if you are unsure, the Advice Centre will always have the latest information. Also, the Education and Welfare Officer , being the London Representative for the SLC, will be able to feedback any problems you may encounter with them.
*LSE Financial Support
Contact the Financial Support Office
if you encounter unexpected financial difficulties. They administer the School's Student Support Fund and also the Access to Learning Fund (for home students only), and may be able to help if you're having money problems. The Financial Support Office is located in the new Student Services Centre , please check their website for the times of the Drop In Sessions. They can also be contacted by e-mail financial-support@lse.ac.uk
or phone 020 7955 7155.
*Students' Union Financial Support
The Advice Centre administers the Union's hardship funds for which all LSE students have the right to apply. The funds that exist are:
- Disabled Students Fund
- Childcare Fund
- Women's Right to Choose Fund
- Council Tax Fund
- Small Claims Fund
- Medical Costs Fund
- Re-sits Fund
You can get more information from the Advice Centre , as well as application forms. Interviews are conducted by a member of the Advice Centre staff and theEducation and Welfare Officer ; they are completely confidential, friendly and informal. Most of the funds apart from the Disabled Students Fund are only available in the Lent Term.
*[Part-Time Work\|/main/support/finance/ptwork|/main/support/finance/ptwork]
Many students find it necessary to take up part time jobs in order to fund their studies. It can be a difficult balancing act between work and study and students should be careful not to commit themselves to too many hours a week. LSE Students' Union has the best pay of any SU in the country and there are often vacancies for casual staff. Please enquire at any of the SU Services for details, or ask atSU reception .
If you work outside the Union, be careful! Students often get a raw deal at work, and it is important that you know your rights. Information and advice is available from the Advice Centre or for general information you can refer to[www.troubleatwork.org.uk]
*Accommodation
This may well be your biggest expenditure during your time at the LSE and it is important to get good value. For advice on housing issues pick up a copy of the SU Housing Guide at the Advice Centre . The Advice Centre staff are up to speed with housing law and can help you with a variety of issues, from landlords intent on keeping your deposit to shoddy repairs. It's not all doom and gloom, however, many students have the time of their lives living out of halls with friends.
Visit the LSE Accomodation Office on second floor of East Building. This should hopefully make finding a place to live easier and safer than ever. Look out for more information at www.lse.ac.uk/accommodation .
*Discounts
One of the few student perks still available. With NUS and ULU cards (both available in SU Reception ) a wide range of discounts are available. Most importantly,London Transport offers a 30% reduction for students on weekly or monthly travelcards. Apply at Freshers' Fair or at Union Reception throughout the year.
