‘Losing my maintenance grant means £80,000 of debt. It’s daunting’

How will UK students cope now that living costs are no longer covered by grants? Guardian readers share their thoughts

As of 1 August, the government’s maintenance grants for poorer students – worth up to £3,500 a year – have been replaced with additional loans. We asked prospective students and current undergraduates about how the change could affect their studies and future plans.

‘This is a massive disadvantage to people like me’

Anonymous, 19, Barnsley

I’m starting a computing course at Sheffield Hallam University in September. Without maintenance grants, it will mean that I’m taking out a £8,200 maintenance loan on top of the £9,000 tuition loan, which equates to £51,600 worth of debt for three years’ study. This is obviously a massive issue for people like me because I’m from a disadvantaged background and area. The government has created a divide and limited options for people from poor backgrounds.

‘A lack of money shouldn’t prevent education and personal improvement’

Poppy Watt, 18, Cornwall

I don’t want to let the scrapping of the grants to affect me as I have always aspired to go to university, regardless of the cost (even coming from a family of low income). Hopefully I’ll start in September. I don’t believe that money – or lack thereof – should prevent education and personal improvement. However, the scrapping of the maintenance grant comes as a blow. Starting adult life in up to £60,000 of debt will be daunting and off-putting to many working-class families and I think that the gap between the rich and poor will continue to grow.

Source: ‘Losing my maintenance grant means £80,000 of debt. It’s daunting’ | Education | The Guardian