where am i best going for advice on finding out about how to sort out my finances due to the fact that im stopping full time work and going into full time education? citizens advice? job centre? im a bit dense with these matters as ive never done anything like this before. and wherever you suggest...can you give me a phone number and directions! city centre would be good. ta :)

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

or http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home

Or ask at the Uni/college as they usually have a student finance department who can offer advice

Originally posted by designbunny
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

or http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home

Ooooohhhhh - NO!!!!

Go to the student support services in the establishment you will be attending. They'll help you through the red tape, and be on 'your side' :thumbsup:

They'll also be familiar with any 'flannel' that students are given in government offices, and be able to give advice on where to get additional support

i phoned up the college and they suggested the `benefits agency' ? but i dont know where that is. id like to meet face to face with someone to get it all clear in my mind

Who did you speak to at the college? If it was the switchboard, that would explain things :rolleyes:

Both Hallam and SheffColl have very good support services, who are unlikely to have fobbed you off like that :(

Sheffield uni have a financial support service for students. I think it's in university house which is between the octagon centre and the union. Hope that helps :)

soz, shud have said. its chesterfield college. it was less hassle to go there as im near derbyshire and other reasons meant i went there instead.

i spoke to the proper person and she didnt really fob me off. just she wasent too sure on who to contact.

thanks for the help. any suggestions? where is citizens advice bureau? i might pop in there to see what they can tell me

get in touch with your LEA (local education authority) if you're within sheffield they are at howden house (the main council place) they should be able to help you with fees/loans etc or just give you general advice on other finances.. they might also be able to advise you about NI Contributions and pensions and stuff but i'm not sure... youwill have to fill in lots of forms tho!!!!
hope that helps a bit
Em

You haven't said what you're going to do. I wouldn't waste your time with college - go straight to university.

Although some, if not all, degrees need A-levels, they will accept you if you have enough 'life experience'.

Chesterfield College Student Services

http://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/chesterfield-college/Student_Services/support.htm

Adult Learning Financial Support Advice

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Topics/Learning/AdultLearners/FinancialSupport/fs/en

Benefits Advice

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/737

Local Education Authority Contact Information

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/education/contact-the-lea

Adult Learning Grant

http://www.adultlearninggrant.com/

Learn Direct also offer information on course funding etc

0800 100 900

hope this helps and good luck with your course :thumbsup:

Originally posted by MTheo
where am i best going for advice on finding out about how to sort out my finances due to the fact that im stopping full time work and going into full time education? citizens advice? job centre? im a bit dense with these matters as ive never done anything like this before. and wherever you suggest...can you give me a phone number and directions! city centre would be good. ta :)

It's definitely a good idea to talk to the University or College that you are going to (they'll have dealt with this sort of stuff lots of times).

Also if you currently have a bank account, change it as soon as you get a NUS card. You'll get loads of special deals for students!!!

Good luck with your course!

Originally posted by alchresearch
You haven't said what you're going to do. I wouldn't waste your time with college - go straight to university.

Although some, if not all, degrees need A-levels, they will accept you if you have enough 'life experience'.

Seconded.

What are you up to MTheo? We'd hate to see you making it all more difficult than it nees to be ;)

plumbing course

i have no grades from school to speak of..and no life experience lol. it was hard enuff getting a course. now i just gotta find out how to survive while i do it!

thanks for help