So I live in a little village in the middle of nowhere - I'm staying with a friend as I have no family to stay with - and within a 50 mile radius there are no jobs whatsoever. There are no ways for me to earn money. Big deal, right?
Well it turns out students aren't even entitled to the most basic of financial support or benefits. This means that I have virtually no income. None. For the past couple of months I've managed to survive on money I saved during my academic year, however this year is my first Summer without work - and with practically every attempt to get back into work having failed, I have less than ￡30 to survive on until September.
I have virtually ￡10 a month, with absolutely no benefits available to me, no safety net, no job, no income between my friend and I - who is also a student - and we're both living in a village, with ￡10 for food, drink, travel, washing, sanitary items and bills for the next three months.
Is there anything I'm missing? This situation is dire and I can't believe that in a country so economically developed as this that there could be such a large hole in our social safety net. Since I spoke with my parents last year, I won't be classified as an independent student for another two years regardless of this situation.
Thanks guys...
Students are expected to cover their costs through student loans, maintenance grants, and part time work. As you're aware, you're not entitled to benefits (although you are exempt from council tax)
Unfortunately this is the case with a lot of students. Which is why most stay on at uni during the summer, where they're more likely to find a summer job,
Got a credit card? Could you get a small cash advance, or would that just compound your troubles?
My only other suggestion is learning to dumpster dive. Or going to the nearest church and seeing if they have a food pantry, and if they could help you in some way.
How about your friend, is he better off than you are? Maybe you could borrow from him.
Choice #1 - Go 50 miles in the direction of the largest city and get a job. Do you intend to sit doing nothing until Sept? You are your own safety net so get aggressive and get a job or two where the jobs are.
Choice #2 - stay where you are until your ￡10 is gone then either beg or die.
If you're students can't you get a student loan?
It would be repayable once you graduate & earn over a threshold of about ￡15,000 a year.
Not much you can do other than go door to door asking if the resident need help with chores such as yardwork, car washing etc. Good Luck
