Student Loan Lifecycle Guide
Navigate every stage of your student loan journey - from choosing university to retirement and write-off
Pre-University Phase
Critical decisions before you start university that will affect your 40-year loan journey
Choosing University: Loan Impact
How uni choice affects 40-year debt - Russell Group vs polytechnic, London premium, course ROI
Gap Year Loan Implications
Deferring entry and loan terms - work experience value vs loan timing
Foundation Year Loan Costs
Extra year funding implications - 4-year vs 3-year degree total cost analysis
Clearing: Late Application Loans
Last-minute loan applications - emergency funding and clearing process timeline
Maintenance Loan by City
City-specific cost analysis - rent vs maintenance loan adequacy across UK cities
During University Phase
Managing loan obligations while studying - changes, interruptions, and opportunities
Dropping Out: Loan Consequences
Financial impact of leaving early - partial degree debt and repayment without qualification
Changing Course: Loan Adjustments
Switching degrees and funding - repeat year eligibility and loan implications
Repeat Year Funding
Failed year loan implications - total funding limits and academic probation effects
Study Abroad Year Loans
Erasmus/exchange funding - additional costs abroad and currency considerations
Placement Year Loan Impact
Industry year repayment delays - sandwich year funding and earning vs debt analysis
Post-Graduation Phase
Long-term repayment journey from first job to retirement and write-off
First Job Repayment Shock
Reality of first payslip - graduate scheme deductions and budgeting with loan payments
Unemployment: Loan Accumulation
Interest during jobless periods - benefits, loan status, and job-seeking allowances
Career Progression: Repayment Timeline
5, 10, 20-year projections - career trajectories and repayment completion scenarios
Retirement: Outstanding Loans
Pension age loan status - 30/40-year write-off and lifetime repayment totals
Death: Loan Cancellation
Estate and inheritance implications - notification process with no beneficiary obligations
Calculate Your Personal Lifecycle Impact
Use our calculators to model your specific journey from university through to write-off