What You Don't Get

Did you know that students are not allowed to get sick, live in flats, get their hair cut, read newspapers, repay debts, buy bicycles, buy books or make donations? Think I'm off my head don't you? Yet all those normal everyday things are on the list of items of expenditure which the Education Department refuses to consider as legitimate expenses for students..

Just how much control do they want of our lives?

And where does this Government expect us to live? We can't claim hostel association fees, we can't set up flats, we can't repay the debts if we do, and it's bloody hard to live at home, if home happens to be in Masterton and you're doing a BA or LLB at Victoria.

This year the Bursaries Office is handing out with hardship claim forms, the list of things you are not allowed to claim for. It contains all the things mentioned above and more, from flying lessons to contraception. It's nice to know, but to get a fair deal you may have to over-estimate other expenses, and rent and food are high enough already.