The Lifelong Learning Entitlement application opens the door in January
The government has published how to apply for student finance through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement for courses starting from 1 January 2027 — deadlines, identity documents and household income evidence. Anyone starting a course in 2027, deferring into it, or planning modular study should read this now, because the entitlement is a lifetime account rather than a per-course application. Student finance explained covers the system it replaces.
Student Loans Company, 29 July
Societies petition against a university joining the defence alliance
Lancaster student societies have signed a petition criticising the university’s decision to join the Defence Universities Alliance. Similar arguments have run at Warwick, Exeter and Cambridge this year as defence investment reaches campuses; the decisions are taken by university councils, on which the students’ union president sits.
The graduate discounts that continue after you finish
A guide to what graduates of five universities in one city can still claim — library access, alumni careers support, gym rates and software licences. Most are time-limited and almost none are advertised after the ceremony, so the time to claim is now. Graduation and life after university covers the transition.
“Is it economically worth it?” Students answer
Newcastle students give their own verdict on whether university is worth the financial cost, as debt concerns dominate the public argument. The answers are more mixed and more specific than the polling — which is the value of asking people who are actually paying.