dad won't co-sign my student loan and I have been declined (again) :(

I've always accessed my credit reports online. Its immediate. http://www.experian.com/ (you can get one with info from all 3 credit bureaus on this site). You're entitled to one free one every year and you're able to get it from this site (or should be able to): https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Thanks for this. Unfortunately, I cannot access it because it is an American site.

really? its doing detection? that sucks...

Thanks for this. Unfortunately, I cannot access it because it is an American site.

Yes, but your Dad could!

My father has now definitely rejected the idea of being a co-signer, despite the fact that it is the only way that I can now get a loan out.

I am now going to cancel my summer course in Italy. My husband and I are going to look into me getting FLR very soon. My uni has been great. I had a helpful counselling session today. I have contacted student support and have been advised to intercalate until January. My main supervisor knows (mostly) about my situation and now that it is quite bad, would be supportive about me taking a break so that I can a) ensure my settlement in the UK, b) earn some money c) have time to sort out my health d) reflect on my research. The head of department of Sociology comes back on 7 August, so I will be in contact with him soon to confirm any decision.

The uni will give me around couple hundred pounds from the Student Aid to help me with my health costs this summer; I just need to give them receipts and other evidence, most of which I have already collected. I also have a job helping with student orientation that will pay £160.

I definitely intend to complete my PhD if at all possible. My uni is being great. My father, not interested in risking being my co-signer, even if for just a $6,000 loan. I may ask other family members, but it is hard to think of people to ask because they do not contact me much and I do not contact them much. Maybe my godfather.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I do believe that no matter how precarious things may get, my in-laws will support us. I believe that we will get through this, it just frustrates me that this is yet another challenge this summer. It will be nice when I get FLR, so that is a positive thing. Any advice on grants, getting a job, or whatever is definitely appreciated. I'm glad I have some pain medicine for my TMJ already.

Im really sorry to hear that

Im really sorry to hear that

Thanks so much. My in-laws are going to loan us a bit of money to help pay for the visa. Did you apply for the FLR by post? I hope it would not take too long. Next week I will investigate the possibility of a loan called Direct Plus Loans for Graduate and Professional Students; it would be up to the uni to decide whether to request funds for me beyond the Stafford loan. The way that things have been, I am not holding my breath. Saj and I are also seriously considering moving into a cheaper place; either our landlord would let us move out early or we would have to wait until February, when our contact runs out. I hope that would work out as it would definitely save us money; I would love a place with double glazing.

Thanks again. How did your job interview go?

I look forward to our lunch next weekend.

Did you apply for the FLR by post? Saj and I are also seriously considering moving into a cheaper place; either our landlord would let us move out early or we would have to wait until February, when our contact runs out. I hope that would work out as it would definitely save us money; I would love a place with double glazing.

Thanks again. How did your job interview go?

I applied for FLR by going to Liverpool and it was all taken care of in one day.  Just made an appointment and then went there.. and about 4 hours later my visa was in my passport.

If you moved, would you stay in Lancaster or venture outwards.. Prestons has nice areas.. especially on the docks. 

My interview went well, but Ive not heard back yet.  They said that theyd have a shortlist early this coming week and then 1 more set of interviews then a decision. So, we'll see *fingers crossed*

Hope everything works out with your loans... regardless, it sounds like you have a good support network with your husband and your in-laws.. so you're very lucky! 

I look forward to our meeting next weekend as well.  Take care, Chrissy

Okay, someone make my day. I just applied for the Direct Plus Loan from Sallie Mae. During the credit process, I was asked to call the loan company and a woman sorted out what was a "address mismatch" from the credit report company; she then told me to proceed with the promissory note. I have received an e-mail saying "Congratulations! You have successfully completed the on-line electronic signature process."

Can I now celebrate with the bubbly or am I waiting for something else?

Loan approved, just need school certification! 

YAYYY! Congratulations! I know this must be a big weight off your shoulders

Fantastic news!!!

Fabulous! 

Thanks so much! The guy in charge of loans at my uni said today there will be no problem with getting it certified. 

Thanks for the support.

OMG YAY! I'm so glad zingy! How wonderful!!! Can you still go on your summer trip now too? Or was that already canceled?

OMG YAY! I'm so glad zingy! How wonderful!!! Can you still go on your summer trip now too? Or was that already canceled?

Thanks so much. Yes, most likely. One of the academics from my department sent me a very supportive email, saying she would sign off on intercalating for a few months because of my health, yet supported my decision to go to the summer course in Italy because it would be a boost. Will be investigating the financial implications of intercalating. This whole situation makes me even more keen to apply for FLR sooner rather than later, probably in September. That can't be a bad thing! My MIL even gave us £100 for the visa.

I must say I am in no hurry to tell my dad about the new loan that has been approved. I have been talking to him on the phone, but not about this issue. I felt very insulted by the way that he rejected the idea of being a co-signer and I would rather not discuss this matter with him for awhile; there are plenty of other things to talk about, I am sure!