STUDENTS in the Tyne Valley are being urged to get prepared for their future studies.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) is urging full-time, undergraduate students across the North-East to get ready to apply for student finance ahead of the application service launching in early March.

So far this year, SLC has funded over one million students and anticipates an increase in applications for academic year 2021/22. To help students to get ready to apply, SLC is asking them to register their interest by inviting them to sign up to their 'Apply Now' mailing list.

SLC will also host its annual Student Money Week event from March 1 to 5, to support students with their applications. Throughout the week, students and their parents and partners will be able to take part in a series of online Q&A sessions and Facebook events.

These will be hosted by SLC's team of expert customer advisors and will cover topics such as eligibility, how to provide supporting evidence for your application, and extra support available for disabled students and students who have an adult or child dependant.

In the run up to Student Money Week new and continuing students can access SLC's dedicated Funding Your Future web page which provides tips to help with the application process and all the latest student finance information, including a short film at https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk.

SLC director of operations Derek Ross said: "We are anticipating a rise in application numbers this year, that’s why we are encouraging new and returning students to get their applications for finance in as early as possible.

"This is the case even if they are not sure what course they will study or even which college or university they will attend.

"We hope students get ready to apply by signing up to our 'Apply Now' mailing list and making a date with Student Money Week.

"By doing so, they can get on with planning for their future knowing that their student finance is taken care of."

Students can get all the latest information about finance by following Student Finance England on Facebook and Twitter.