Two or three days ago, the Part-Time applications for Student Finance opened up. It turns out that my order for applying was fine, and probably even intended:
- Sign up for Open University account
- Begin enrolment
- Apply for SFE account and CR number
- Complete enrolment at Open University, using CR number from SFE, choosing course and modules
- Wait however long it takes to open Part-Time applications at SFE
- Complete application at SFE
- Send in evidence and declaration form (I used the same envelope sent First Class Signed-for post)
The online application took about 15 minutes, and only that long because I had to check with my father-in-law and brother-in-law that they wouldn’t mind being contacts in case I skipped out on the country. (Seriously though, after immigration, all paperwork is easy by comparison.)
I’m probably more nervous that my biometrics residence permit is in the post than anything else. (Also that I just realised I didn’t inform them of my change of address for my BRP when I bought my house two years ago. Hrm.)
Looks like I’ll be paying on the loan (quite heavily) while I’m still on the course, as it takes longer than 4 years to complete. I could pay out of pocket, but would rather just smooth out the rough patches so I only have to worry about one thing at a time.
Just a quick edit to show a timeline:
- SFE application filled out online: 18/5/2016
- Evidence and Declaration posted: 20/5/2016
- Signature confirmation received: 23/5/2016
- Evidence marked as received on account: 25/5/2016
- Declaration marked as received on account: 6/6/2016
- Evidence returned: 26/5/2016 (was returned registered post, though I had not asked or paid extra for it)
- SFE Application approved: 6/6/2016