There is nothing worse than going to University and worrying about money, every student knows how to live on a shoestring budget that includes Tesco's blue and white stripy beans and paint stripper Vodka. But you firstly you need some money to budget and ration. That is where these guys come in. Unlike England Northern Ireland does not have an independent student finance company so each potential student will have to apply for student loans through their local library boards. In my case it was the South-Eastern Education and Library Board and I had face to face dealings with them when I was going into my second year of university. Basically I had messed up massively and was too busy downing trebles in Newcastle over the summer to remember to reapply for a student loan, my friends in England said I would be fed to the lions and that I wouldn't get any money. I began to prepare myself to search in the local bins and beg at local Italian restaurants Lady and the Tramp style without the lady. But to my shock on contacting the South-Eastern Education and Library Board and speaking to them in their offices in Dundonald I was assured I would have my first instalment of my student loan before the start of term. After this I couldn't wait to blow it! South-Eastern Education and Library Board were my saviours and they explained the process perfectly. My advice to anyone unsure about student loans or who just want to know a bit more about the process to contact them directly because they were open and understanding. They get a First Class Honours in customer service from me. read more