Financial Problems
Studying at university can be an expensive business. Sometimes it seems like your limited income just isn't going to stretch far enough and your financial worries make studying impossible.
You may face problems like:
- Getting behind in your rent or college fees
Talk to your landlord, agent or college head as soon as you realise there is a problem. It's easier for them to work out a way for you to stay on than for them to find a new tenant, but there are limits. The earlier you can work something out, the better. - Having your rate of Youth Allowance/Austudy/Abstudy reduced
If you don't know why this has happened, make an appointment straight away to find out. You have the right to have adverse decisions reviewed in a three-step process - Original Decision Maker, Authorised Review Officer and Social Security Appeals Tribunal. The counsellors at Sutdent Assist can help you through this process. - Your parents no longer able to support you
If your parents' financial circumstances have changed for the worse (eg loss of job), you may be eligible for Youth Allowance. Put an application in immediately, as it can't be backdated. You can do it by phone on 13 2490. - Bills piling up that you can't pay
This is an indication that you need help budgeting. In the immediate term you need to talk to the electricity, phone or gas companies and negotiate repayments so that you're not disconnected and faced with a reconnection fee etc. Organisations like St Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army may be able to help with vouchers from Telstra or the local electricity company. If disconnection is threatened, you may be able to get a loan under UNE's Student Financial Assistance Scheme.
Talk it over first
While none of these have easy fixes, getting an outside perspective on them can be helpful. The Counsellors at Student Assist can work through your problems with you - they might be able to help you sort out your Centrelink payments or offer advice on budgeting options. Sometimes there is more financial help out there than you realise.
The Services UNE Student Support Officer can also advocate on your behalf and if necessary refer you to another service for further assistance. Services UNE can also assist if you are seeking casual employment. The Employment Service provided by Services UNE is intended to provide students with some part-time and casual work. There is also an employment board in the Services UNE office advertising local, national and international employment opportunities. Also save dollars by making use of the free tea, coffee, soup and hot chocolate available in the Services UNE ‘Breather’.
Some of the people you can talk to: