My student loan doesn't cover my accommodation?

I am a full time university student in the UK and I also have a part time job working 12-16 hours a week.


I receive the full amount needed for my tuition fees but not for my accommodation as it is means tested.


I pay my accommodation in three installments but each time I pay I am left 拢200 worse off which I try and pay off with my job (I earn about 拢65 a week) but I am really struggling as I also had to buy books at the beginning of the year which cost me 拢200 themselves. I worked over Christmas but I couldn't save much money as I had to spend a lot of it on my car as I need to drive to work. I've also had to fork out for estate agent fees and deposits and it's leaving me with no money whatsoever. I have maxed out my overdraft and I am doing as many hours as I can at work but I can't make ends meet. I am careful with my money and I hardly ever go out now unless it's free. I don't drive during the term time either.





Can anyone give me any advice? on how to make any extra money? cut down on things? loans?





Just want to hear your thoughts :) Thanks a lot x|||If, as you state, you do not drive during term time, yet drive to work, does that mean that you do not work during term time? If so, for most of the year you do not require that money eating thing that is a car. An ordinary bicycle would suffice or even a little moped, mich cheaper to run! You can avoid estate agents fees by using your student union accommodation service and deposits, although a fact of life, are refundable, so even adjusting for inflation, you should have your deposit from year to year unless you wreck your accommodation. Books are much cheaper secondhand or even from e-bay. But having said that, they are necessary for your studies and you should buy the most recent editions that you can get. Tutoring or mentoring are both sources of income for most students. Very lucrative!





As your parents income precludes you from getting assistance for your living expenses, could they not help out? In any event, try to shop carefully, late at night is the best time as many goods are reduced as they approach their sell by/ best before date. Food is expensive but you can use pulses and pasta to bulk out a meal at a reasonable cost.





When I was at University (many moons ago!) you could always tell who was a student. They were the only people who knew how many baked beans were in a can.





Good luck with your studies, it will be worth it in the end.|||I think you need a better-paying job! You might also consider doing tutoring on the side. It's a very tough thing -- I've been there, believe me! -- but in the long run it is worth it. Best of luck!|||Well if your a woman...