Plan early: To get into university, students need the right subjects. For example, medicine usually requires Chemistry and Biology; law prefers at least one essay-based subject.

UCAS points system: Universities often use UCAS Tariff points (based on A-level, BTEC, or equivalent grades). Check university entry requirements before choosing subjects.

Oxbridge and competitive courses: Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses have earlier deadlines (usually mid-October in Year 13, compared with January for most courses).

Vocational routes: Apprenticeships and vocational college courses are good alternatives. They combine training and work experience, often with an income, and may suit students who prefer practical learning.

Student finance has two main parts

The tuition fee loan and the maintenance loan. Tuition fees are paid directly to the university, but maintenance loans are there to help with living costs. The amount of maintenance loan a student can borrow is tied to household income. For most students under 25, that means the income of their parents. The higher the household income, the less the student is allowed to borrow.

This is where many parents are caught by surprise. Even though tuition is covered, the loan for living costs rarely stretches far enough. Middle-income families, in particular, often find they are expected to make up the shortfall. If household income drops by more than 15% compared to the previous year, it is possible to ask Student Finance to reassess based on current income.

For further information, visit 'Financial Help for Students'.

Maintenance loans are paid three times a year, at the start of each term. Rent, however, is usually due monthly. This mismatch can be tricky to manage, especially for students renting privately. Some families set money aside to spread the termly payments across the months, while others step in to help cover the gaps. 

Parents may want to think ahead about how they can support their children with budgeting skills and, where possible, with some savings.

Student Finance expects parents to give their income details every year. If they refuse, the system assumes the household income is very high, and the student only gets the minimum loan. This often isn’t enough to live on, especially if the student moves away from home.

What can a student do in this situation?

• Talk it through again: Sometimes parents think giving their income details means they must also contribute money. In reality, it just allows Student Finance to calculate the correct loan amount. Even if parents cannot help financially, sharing income details is vital.
  
  

• Apply as an “independent student”: If certain conditions apply, the student can be assessed without parental income. For example, they may be treated as independent if they are:
  
  

  • Aged 25 or over
    
    

  • Estranged from their parents (and can show there is no contact)
    
    

  • Caring for a child under 18
    
    

  • Married, in a civil partnership, or living with a partner
    
    

  • Supported themselves financially for at least 3 years before the course
    
    

• Seek hardship funds and bursaries: Universities have hardship funds, bursaries, and sometimes rent discounts or extra support for students in financial difficulty.
  
  

• Part-time work: Many students top up their income through part-time jobs. While this isn’t always ideal, it can make the difference between coping and struggling.
  
  

• Independent advice: Student Unions can help with appeals, estrangement applications, or emergency funding.

Parents sometimes worry about how having a student at home will affect their own benefits. The rules are slightly different depending on the benefit:

• Universal Credit: No deduction is made from the housing element for a student living at home until they turn 21.
  
  

• Housing Benefit: While a young person is a full-time student, no non-dependent deduction is made, regardless of age. During summer holidays, a deduction could apply if the student works and earns above a certain amount. Once they finish their course, the normal rules apply.

Sometimes the issue isn’t higher education itself, but the fit. A student may find that the course, teaching style, or location isn’t right for them. In these cases, switching course or even moving to another university can be a better option than dropping out completely.

Transferring within the same university

If the problem is the subject rather than the university, many institutions allow students to transfer to a different course, usually at the end of the first year. Approval depends on space and whether the student has the right entry qualifications.

Moving to another university

Some students move to a different university after one year, especially if they want a change of location or course structure. This usually means applying through UCAS again, but some universities accept direct transfers. It’s important to check if credits already gained will be recognised, or whether the student has to restart.

Student finance implications

If transferring directly into the second year of a new course, Student Finance continues as normal.

If starting again from the first year at a new university, the “extra year” rule applies, Student Finance funds the length of the course plus one extra year. Because the first year at the original university counts, this could mean one year of the new course won’t be funded unless there are accepted “compelling personal reasons” (such as illness).

Accommodation and contracts

Leaving one university may still leave the student tied into campus or private rent contracts for the year. Parents and students should always check housing agreements before making the switch.

Support and advice

The student should first talk to their current university’s student services team about options. UCAS and the prospective new university can advise on application and credit transfer.

Sometimes a course doesn’t work out, and a student decides to leave university. If this happens, it’s vital to understand how this affects student finance, tuition fees, and accommodation.

Tuition Fee Loan

• Universities only charge fees for the period the student was officially enrolled.
  
  

• If a student leaves within the first few weeks of their very first term, most universities waive the tuition fees entirely. Check the university policy on this as soon as you identify a  potential problem.
  
  

• After that, fees are usually charged term by term. For example, leaving in Term 2 normally means you owe fees for Terms 1 and 2.
  
  

• Student Finance pays the university in instalments at the start of each term, so the amount paid depends on the official withdrawal date.

Maintenance Loan

Paid at the start of each term into the student’s bank account.

If you leave partway through a term, you may have been paid more than you were entitled to, and Student Finance can ask for the overpayment back.

Student Accommodation

Campus and private accommodation contracts are separate from tuition fees.

Students often sign up for a full academic year. Leaving the course does not automatically release them from the rent contract.

Always check the tenancy agreement before signing. Some providers will release a student if they withdraw before a set date; others will hold them to the contract unless a replacement tenant is found.

Why Dates Matter

The date you formally notify the university of withdrawal is what counts for tuition fees. Simply stopping attending doesn’t stop charges.

Missing the official cut-off can mean being charged for the whole term.

Taking a Break (Suspending or Interrupting Studies)

If you have mitigating circumstances, such as illness, mental health issues, or a family crisis, universities may allow you to take time out.

This means your place is held for you, and you can usually return the following year to pick up where you left off.

During a suspension, tuition fees are frozen, and Student Finance may adjust your funding.

This option can be much better than withdrawing if you intend to continue your course later.

Future Student Finance

Student Finance usually funds the length of your new course plus one additional year. If you drop out and restart later, the “used year” will count against that allowance, which may reduce future funding.

Not everyone will go to university, and that is not always the right choice. Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn while learning, building up qualifications and work experience without taking on large debts. 

Vocational college courses can also lead directly into skilled work or further training. Parents can help their children weigh up the costs, the commitment, and the opportunities each path offers.

Find an Apprenticeship

Student Mental Health

University life can bring pressure as well as opportunities. If things feel overwhelming, help is available.

Student Minds

The UK’s student mental health charity, offering resources, campaigns, and peer support.

https://www.studentminds.org.uk/

University wellbeing and counselling services
Most campuses have free services that students can access directly.

Samaritans
Call 116 123 free, 24/7, if you need someone to talk to in confidence.

Shout

text 85258 for free, 24/7 mental health support by text message.

Papyrus (HOPELINE247) 

Call 0800 068 4141 for confidential suicide prevention support for young people.

Finance and Applications

Student Loans Company

 Apply for tuition and maintenance loans, check payments and update details.

https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/ 

UCAS

University applications, deadlines, course search and advice.

https://www.ucas.com/

Find an Apprenticeship

Search and apply for apprenticeship opportunities.

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/ 

Find a Course

Explore vocational and further education options.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course

Money Saving & Practical Advice

Save the Student

Student-friendly budgeting, housing, and money-saving tips.
https://www.savethestudent.org/ 

Debtipedia
Independent guidance and resources for students and families facing financial pressures.

https://www.moneyadvicehub.org.uk/debtipedia