Q&A: The student loans fiasco

The recent student loans debacle has caused thousands of students to struggle to get through university life. The Student Loans Company could not cope with the huge increase in loan and grant applications, and as a result many first year students have had to scrimp and save in order to survive. I spoke to History student Lianne, who is still without her maintenance grant 5 months into the academic year, to gain an insight into the problems caused by the SLC's failings.

So, Lianne, how badly would you say you've been affected by this?

Well, it's definitely affected my university life. I was late with my application, but I still can't understand how it's taken so long to get my grant through. The SLC asked for my mum's divorce papers, and it took them nearly two months to process that. I've had to accept handouts from my family; I really don't know what I'd do if it wasn't for them.

How much are you owed?

About £2000. Two grants; one from the first term and one from the start of this term. The amount of money I've spent on phone calls to the SLC though is ridiculous; I think they owe me at least £200 extra!

Has your university helped you out at all?

I applied for the Access to Learning Fund, but even that took a while to come through. That helped me out with my rent, but didn't cover it.

So you've had problems paying rent, how understanding has your landlord been about all this?

Well, I've been lucky in that respect because he was fairly understanding to start with. But then he started emailing my housemates and it caused tension between us. I got the money to him eventually but only after a lot of stress and upset.

The last time Lianne spoke to the SLC they told her it would be about a week until her money came through. After 5 months of waiting, another week is nothing to her. She just feels it is a shame that she has had to spend the past 5 months without the financial help she was entitled to.