nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Child Item

There's seriously something wrong with the system.

I-Shot-Jr

I apologize in advance for the shameless rant that I am about to unleash on to the unsuspecting folk of after hours...

I am a twenty year old man, I go to college and I rent an apartment. To pay for these, I work part time and I just about cover most of my expenses. Given that I work for just above the minimum wage I'm sure you can understand that it's a little difficult to get by even at the best of times. Now I don't want to paint a picture of a destitute student because I'm not, the rent is always paid and there's generally enough to eat in the fridge and I would have happily accepted this situation until I finished college however here is where my rant begins.

To complete my degree, I have to go abroad for a year on erasmus. There is no way around this, nothing that can be arranged, NADA. If I want a degree I have to go. Ordinarily this would be fantastic, its a great oppurtunity that most people won't get and most people in my year are delighted, excited to be going away. I however am fecked. Given my limited means, there is no way in hell I can afford to go away. It just wouldn't work, they give you a small grant but that just about covers the registration fee. I am lucky in one respect that I can work full time over the summer and the hours are there but I just do not have enough time to save up for college. I applied for a student loan to cover my expenses but that was denied. Fair enough, the bank reckoned it was a bad idea to give me a load of money to let me leave the country. So as a last resort I went to the council about getting a grant. Apparently because I'm only 20 they would have to assess my parent's incomes. Information I don't have access to (long story) as I've been independent of both of them for a few years now. According to the lady at the council I would need a letter from the HSE and in her words prove that my mam "Hit me or something" in order to get a grant.

Now this grinds my gears like you wouldn't believe, here I am doing my very best to pay my way through college, and maintain as much financial independence as possible. I don't want to be a leech on the state. I don't want to be a leech full stop. I just need help. Yet I'm being refused it because I haven't a letter from a farcical institution that happily gives medical cards and free transport to junkies. The worst is I've seen plenty of people who have readily admitted to me that they are in better off positions than I am get grants. Many of these people have pissed it away on going out or holidays. I just don't get it. I really don't. I have no faith in the system whatsoever.

Rant over, I'm really sorry, I just needed to vent that.:mad:

Find more posts tagged with

year out op year out

degree with spanish ffs

Quick Links

Comments

wild_cat

One my friends got around the parents and the age in the grant thing. All he had to do was get them to sign something that said they were totally rid of him from their lives.

Donkey Oaty

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

you already get free fees and you are on here moaning because you have to pay for going away for a year, jesus christ listen to yourself.

He wants a loan, not a hand-out.

jam_mac_jam

Donkey Oaty wrote: »

He wants a loan, not a hand-out.

well no, he is looking for a grant.

Donkey Oaty

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

well no, he is looking for a grant.

If you read the opening post, he originally tried to get a loan, and when that proved impossible he went down the grant route as a last resort.

prinz

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

you already get free fees and you are on here moaning because you have to pay for going away for a year, jesus christ listen to yourself.

That 'going away for a year' is not a fookin holiday or travelling junket. It's part of the degree course. He's not volunteering to go abroad when he doesn't have to.

Seachmall

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

you are on here moaning because you have to pay for going away for a year, jesus christ listen to yourself.

Actually he's moaning because he is being forced to go away for a year despite the fact he can't afford it, which is a valid thing to moan about imo.

I-Shot-Jr

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

No, I dont think you maintain some sort of opulent lifestyle, I just dont get what junkies have to do with anything. you may notice I removed the comment as I thought it was a little harsh. I still think you or your parents should pay for your education not me, sorry. I was a student myself and paid for it as will my kids, you already get free fees and you are on here moaning because you have to pay for going away for a year, jesus christ listen to yourself.

No I am complaining about how I think funds are being misspent. I agree, I should pay for my education, right now due to a change in circumstance I can't continue. The reason I use junkies is that they are an obvious drain on resources that could be spent elsewhere, I also mentioned that a lot of grants currently awarded are to people who don't need them perhaps this example is more pertinent to my argument however you are fixated on the junky aspect of it. I don't appreciate the tone of your argument, you seem to insinuate that I am some spoiled brat who can't go on a holiday. I am not. I simply want a degree.

Donkey Oaty wrote: »

He wants a loan, not a hand-out.

jam_mac_jam wrote: »

well no, he is looking for a grant.

I'd happily pay back anything given to me, the only reason I am looking for a grant is because I can't get a loan. My application for a grant is my last resort.

Cill Dara Abu

Take out the €25 you have in the Credit Union and buy 25 €1 scratchcards, You'll never know

Alter-Ego

Cill Dara Abu wrote: »

Take out the €25 you have in the Credit Union and buy 25 €1 scratchcards, You'll never know

Stupid Idea!

Put it on a horse.

Have you been into a Citizens Information office to explain your situation regarding your parents and how its stopping you getting a grant? They'd be able to point you in the direction you need to go to prove that you're financially independent.

I-Shot-Jr

Alter-Ego wrote: »

Stupid Idea!

Put it on a horse.

Have you been into a Citizens Information office to explain your situation regarding your parents and how its stopping you getting a grant? They'd be able to point you in the direction you need to go to prove that you're financially independent.

I'm actually going to head into an office right now. I'l report back with my findings!

jam_mac_jam

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

No I am complaining about how I think funds are being misspent. I agree, I should pay for my education, right now due to a change in circumstance I can't continue. The reason I use junkies is that they are an obvious drain on resources that could be spent elsewhere, I also mentioned that a lot of grants currently awarded are to people who don't need them perhaps this example is more pertinent to my argument however you are fixated on the junky aspect of it. I don't appreciate the tone of your argument, you seem to insinuate that I am some spoiled brat who can't go on a holiday. I am not. I simply want a degree.

I'd happily pay back anything given to me, the only reason I am looking for a grant is because I can't get a loan. My application for a grant is my last resort.

Appologies, easy for me to say and all that. It was easier in my day to get loans and I got a few ,so sorry, I will stop now. Good luck with it.

Aoifey!

If all else fails you could always take a year out, work your ass off, and then head off the next year. Not ideal at all but it is an option.

who the fug

Let us know how you get on, don't forget to do a google for grants in Spainish.

sbsquarepants

Aoifey! wrote: »

If all else fails you could always take a year out, work your ass off, and then head off the next year. Not ideal at all but it is an option.

This! It's not just an option, it's the screamingly obvious solution to your problem. Of course you'd prefer if someone else, like the council for example, just stumped up the cash and you didn't have to bother doing it, and sure who wouldn't! But that doesn't mean the system is shít, far from it.
You've said already there is work there for you, do it for a year, then go to spain. What's the problem? The system has served you well up to now, you've effectively had a free ride up till now at tax payers expense - yes i know you work but you said yourself that money goes on food, rent and so on. Why do you think anyone else works if not for food and rent etc? I would much rather there was some sort of grant scheme that covered my expenses so i didn't have to give up 9 or 10 hours of every week day. But there's not so i work for the money, does that mean the system sucks?
I mean honestly man, you sound clever enough - you must see you've nothing to be moaning about here.

who the fug

What is most annoying about this thread, is if the opening poster had gone to a private school , he would have the contacts to get a grant or a busary without having to come on Boards and subject him or her self to all the above.

westies4ever

Noo wrote: »

Credit unions have interest only loans were you only pay off the interest for the first year or whatever time and then the actual loan after that, useful for people going abroad for a year or so.

This is not typical of all credit unions - i work for one and we don't do this. However, they would be def worth talking to, mine does student loans of €5k per year, you need a parent to go guar though. Payments are generally low - say €20pw and they are more understanding of circumstances than the bank.

Just remember each Credit Union is different and has their own lending policy.

Tehachapi

Did your mam really hit you?

Dublin_Gunner

Seachmall wrote: »

You're 20 years old, why the hell are they asking about your parents income?!

I know that many 20 year olds get financial support from their parents (I do) but you are legally independent from them. They might as well ask what your neighbours' income is.

Bloody ridiculous.

Because if you're in 3rd level education, your parents are still legally, financially responsible for you though you're over 18.

Mother can still get child benefit for instance while he's there (and probably is - I'd call and ask her for the money 150x12monthsx3years=5400, should cover it).

languagenerd

Dublin_Gunner wrote: »

Mother can still get child benefit for instance while he's there (and probably is - I'd call and ask her for the money 150x12monthsx3years=5400, should cover it).

Not anymore. That was phased out two years ago. The day I turned 18, my parents stopped receiving benefit. In fact, it stopped the day I finished school, I had to get the university to sign for me so that they could get it for the last three months (I was 17 at the start of my first year).

mariaf24

Hi OP,

I believe you will not be assessed on your parents income if you go to your solicitor and draw up an avidavit (sp)? stating that you are completely indepedednt etc.

I never got any help myself in uni (I dont mean to sound as if i expected to get this and that etc) but i remember really really struggling as i had a small baby and wasnt dependent on parents while others in my class seemed to get help right left and centre, most while still living at home and happily drank the entire grant.
I remember being really angry about it at the time.

I did get an avidavit eventually which helped for the actual student grant provided by the college. The Students union in UCC were brilliant and very informative i remember. You should try speaking to your welfare officer.

Good luck with everything

Logical Fallacy

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

Well I only have like 25 quid in the CU so I doubt they'll be able to do much for me.

Over the summer when you are working full time and have extra scratch, save as much as possible in the credit union, they are, in my experience, ****ing sound to deal with mate.

Helped me through college no end and with very reasonable repayments.

Greentopia

westies4ever wrote: »

This is not typical of all credit unions - i work for one and we don't do this. However, they would be def worth talking to, mine does student loans of €5k per year, you need a parent to go guar though. Payments are generally low - say €20pw and they are more understanding of circumstances than the bank.

Just remember each Credit Union is different and has their own lending policy.

A loan from the Credit Union would've been my suggestion. Is the OP still checking this thread?? He needs to read your post I think.

7sr2z3fely84g5

Op,head over to the citizen's information website,tell you straight what you entitled to-

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

ringadingding

Why the aversion to simply fapping off Spanish village men down an alley for a few pesatas ?

I would have thought that was the most obvious

Marcus_Crassus

ringadingding wrote: »

Why the aversion to simply fapping off Spanish village men down an alley for a few pesatas ?

I would have thought that was the most obvious

What would be the point in fapping them off in exchange for a currency of no value in Spain? At least ask them for a few euro for the hand shandy!

I-Shot-Jr

Logical Fallacy wrote: »

Over the summer when you are working full time and have extra scratch, save as much as possible in the credit union, they are, in my experience, ****ing sound to deal with mate.

Helped me through college no end and with very reasonable repayments.

Yeah reckon I'll head down to see them on my next day off and see what the story is with saving extra moolah.

Greentopia wrote: »

A loan from the Credit Union would've been my suggestion. Is the OP still checking this thread?? He needs to read your post I think.

Trying to check as often as I can, got a call from work asking me to come in so here I'm glancing at this thread every so often, just quieted down enough for me to get a reply or two in.

ringadingding wrote: »

Why the aversion to simply fapping off Spanish village men down an alley for a few pesatas ?

I would have thought that was the most obvious

You have a drawer full of pesetas at home you're looking to get rid of aren't you?

Marcus_Crassus wrote: »

What would be the point in fapping them off in exchange for a currency of no value in Spain? At least ask them for a few euro for the hand shandy!

Heheh exactly!

I-Shot-Jr

mariaf24 wrote: »

Hi OP,

I believe you will not be assessed on your parents income if you go to your solicitor and draw up an avidavit (sp)? stating that you are completely indepedednt etc.

I never got any help myself in uni (I dont mean to sound as if i expected to get this and that etc) but i remember really really struggling as i had a small baby and wasnt dependent on parents while others in my class seemed to get help right left and centre, most while still living at home and happily drank the entire grant.
I remember being really angry about it at the time.

I did get an avidavit eventually which helped for the actual student grant provided by the college. The Students union in UCC were brilliant and very informative i remember. You should try speaking to your welfare officer.

Good luck with everything

This has been an extremely helpful post and I can't thank you enough (or anyone that has posted for that matter with their input, I appreciate it all.)
I have just gotten a hold of the welfare officer's number although I dunno if I could afford to pay a solicitor to do all that for me...

GLaDOS

Dublin_Gunner wrote: »

Because if you're in 3rd level education, your parents are still legally, financially responsible for you though you're over 18.

Mother can still get child benefit for instance while he's there (and probably is - I'd call and ask her for the money 150x12monthsx3years=5400, should cover it).

Only get that up to 19 afaik, certainly the case for my mam, and I had to get the college to sign something proving I was in full time education so it's not something she could do without his knowledge.

who the fug

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

This has been an extremely helpful post and I can't thank you enough (or anyone that has posted for that matter with their input, I appreciate it all.)
I have just gotten a hold of the welfare officer's number although I dunno if I could afford to pay a solicitor to do all that for me...

they do long term credit

easyeason3

sbsquarepants wrote: »

This! It's not just an option, it's the screamingly obvious solution to your problem. Of course you'd prefer if someone else, like the council for example, just stumped up the cash and you didn't have to bother doing it, and sure who wouldn't! But that doesn't mean the system is shít, far from it.
You've said already there is work there for you, do it for a year, then go to spain. What's the problem? The system has served you well up to now, you've effectively had a free ride up till now at tax payers expense - yes i know you work but you said yourself that money goes on food, rent and so on. Why do you think anyone else works if not for food and rent etc? I would much rather there was some sort of grant scheme that covered my expenses so i didn't have to give up 9 or 10 hours of every week day. But there's not so i work for the money, does that mean the system sucks?
I mean honestly man, you sound clever enough - you must see you've nothing to be moaning about here.

That plan would work perfectly if the OP could be guaranteed to go back & finish the course. I have a few friends that took a year out to 'work & save'. The lure of hard cash was more appealing to them & they never went back to finish their degree.

OP if I win the Euromillions tomorrow night I'll drop you a PM & sort out your finances for the year. Just don't get your hopes up but if it does happen I'll gladly stump up for you to finish your degree.