What benefits can I get?
Most students get by on a fairly low income, which means there's a number of benefits you can claim:
NHS exemptions
Students don't automatically get free NHS cover, but under the NHS Low Income Scheme you could get money off dental treatment.
The awards are means-tested, which means that they depend on your income. All students – including international and EU students – can apply.
To do so, you have to fill in a HC1 form, which you can get from the University Health Centre, Student Funding Service, your dentist or your benefits office. Remember to include a copy of your LEA Financial Assessment with your application.
Council tax exemption
Full-time students are exempt from council tax while studying. If you're living in private accommodation, you need a council tax exemption certificate to prove that you're exempt. You can get these from the University from mid-October. You then give this to Kingston Council (or your local council if you don't live in the borough of Kingston).
If you're living in University halls of residence, you don't usually have to provide a council tax exemption form. You can get more information from the National Union of Students (NUS).
Other benefits
If you're a part-time student or have dependents, you might also be eligible for other benefits.