Jo-ann Hodgson reports on the struggle for some students to get their loans.

THE university term is now three weeks old, but many students are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of their student loans.

The loans, dealt out by students' home councils, are used by many to cover their tuition fees, accommodation and living costs.

Because of 'logistical problems' affecting a new system which allows students to apply for their loans online, many applications have been sent back to LEAs (Local Education Authorities).

This, in many instances, has created a backlog, leaving many students without the funds to pay the university and making it even harder for them to live day to day.

Since the beginning of term, the university has had to process 20 emergency loans, far in excess of previous years.

However, student support funds co-ordinator Edith Green states that the delays are often caused by late applicants and a delay by the student's parents or guardians in sending information to the LEA.

Although there has been a visible increase of students queuing in the undergraduate office, asking after their loans, Edith states that York University has suffered less than has been reported at other universities nationwide.

The reasons for this are that York does not take a lot of students through clearing, our term starts later than most and we take a relatively small number of applicants from inner city LEAs, who have greater numbers of applicants to deal with.

For some students whose parents or guardians pay their tuition fees and accommodation, the worry is merely about where their next beer is coming from, but for those who depend on their loans, the situation is more serious.

Edith advises students to try to get in touch with their LEA to check the progress of their loans, apply for an emergency loan and contact the university fees office.

Updated: 15:22 Thursday, October 28, 2004