Worrying about money problems can have a very negative effect on your studies. You should tell your institution if you are having difficulties. The first step is to explain your problem to someone. You should try to speak to your International Student Adviser, your academic tutor, your Welfare Officer, or someone at your Students' Union. They may be able to suggest ways of dealing with the problem and give you helpful information and advice.
It is important that you speak to an experienced adviser as early as possible and, especially, before you try to obtain financial help yourself. Their advice could help you avoid wasting time trying unrealistic sources and, therefore, endangering your Student immigration status.
Advisers do not have large amounts of money available to help you pay tuition fees or living costs. There may be an institutional Hardship Fund or Access to Learning Fund but these are not available in all institutions. If they are available, the amount of money you can receive is usually low and limited to one payment.
If the financial hardship has been avoidable (for example, if you started the course knowing that you did not have enough money or that the funds from home would not last), there is probably nothing an adviser can do. You might have to consider returning home.
However, if something unexpected has happened, particularly in the last few months of a course, then the adviser can discuss your situation with you and advise you on your options.
Help from your university or college
If you are unable to pay your tuition fees, you can ask the institution whether you could delay your payments or extend them over a longer period. It is very important to keep the institution informed, from the very beginning, of your difficulties, and to try to negotiate a way round the problem. Do not ignore fee invoices; discuss them.
In addition, there may be a student union or institutional hardship fund which could offer short-term help. Be sure to ask.
