Frequently asked questions....first year students
This page aims to answer a variety of common quick questions we get asked by first years at Manchester Metropolitan University. They do not cover everything. Nor do the answers we give cover everybody - you could be the exception to the rule. If you are in any doubt at all please do not hesitate to contact us and we will help you. We also have a phone you can use for phoning your Local Authority or the Student Loan Company free of charge.
I haven't applied for funding yet, am I too late?
No. The absolute deadline for 2009/10 funding is in May 2010, although if you apply after June 2009, Student Finance England cannot guarantee that you will receive your funding at the start of the year. We therefore recommend that you apply as soon as possible.
What money will I get?
Every student gets different funding depending on their circumstances. We can do a funding forecast for your circumstances if you contact us, or you can try the online funding calculator or reading the guidebooks available from our links page. We also have FAQs on Applying for Funding and Funding.
When will I recieve my money?
Assuming your LA has carried out your assessment and sent you a Financial Notification and the Student Loan Company (SLC) have sent you a payment schedule, then the first instalment of your money will be released to you by automatic bank transfer when the university informs the SLC that you have enrolled.
My A Level results aren't good enough, what can I do?
It depends how "bad" your results are. You should phone your course admissions tutor (details in the online prospectus) or the clearing hotline (0800 915 0668) and see if they will accept you anyway. If not, other courses may be willing to take you, or other universities. Full clearing details are available at the UCAS clearing site.
I've had to change my course/university because of my A Level results, will it affect my funding?
Your entitlement to funding may change if you change course or university. You should inform Student Finance England (or your local version) of the change. See our links page.
What doctors and dentists are available?
When you arive at university, you should register with a local doctor. Local NHS services can be found at the NHS site (Links page) or you can register with St Augustine's Surgery for students (Manchester). More details and questionnaires available from The Advice Centre, our Health booklet, MMU's health booklet, or on 0161 247 3522.
What's this MMU Bursary I've heard about?
Since 2006, universities have provided bursaries if they charge the full amount of tuition fees as MMU does. MMU offers bursaries of up to £1000 depending on family income. It gets that information from your LA if you signed the Bursary Consent page in your PN1 form. If you didn't sign it and want to be assessed, contact your Local Authority and ask for the page to be sent so you can sign it. The bursary is paid in two instalments - one in February and one in May. If you have further problems, please do come and see us.
I don't like my course now I've started it, can I change it?
Our advice in this situation is to talk to your tutors about why you don't like the course - it may be that it changes to match your expectations later once some groundwork has been laid. If you definately want to change courses, information is available in our Academic Problems booklet. Be aware that changing courses can impact on your funding which may affect your ability to return to university. We highly recommend that you come and see us to check your funding entitlement before committing yourself to anything.
I don't like my halls or hallmates, can I swap?
The Accommodation Office does run a list of people wanting to change halls. They cannot guarantee that you will be able to though, and if you change to a different hall, different rent may be payable. If you have somebody you want to swap with and they want to swap with you, going to the Accommodation Office together should make the process easier.
I'm new to Manchester and lonely, what can I do?
Give it time. You've got a lot of people to meet - people on your course, people in your halls, people in all the societies you're going to join at the Freshers' Fair. Everyone else is in the same boat, you're all meeting new people, trying new things, picking up new strands of the dreaded Freshers' Flu. You'll find your feet.
What happens with Council Tax?
If you are living in halls, council tax should not be a problem. The university will also automatically inform most local councils of your exemption providing you keep them up to date with your address however you can get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from your department which you can then submit to the council if you are concerned or the council send you a bill. This will exempt you from council tax, but not anyone else living with you. Our Council Tax booklet explains with examples the various discounts you can get.
What happens to my benefits when I start university?
We cannot answer this quickly and simply. To get advice on changes to benefits, come and see us. At the very least you should make sure that all your benefit providers (DWP, Council, Inland Revenue) know about the change in circumstances to avoid overpayments.
Where can I get my NUS card?
You can get an NUS Extra card from MMUnion reception or online at the NUS Extra site