Betty Said:

Generally how does it cost a public university in London?

We Answered:

It depends on the Uni but next year it would be around £2500-3000, after 2012 the fees could be anything up to £9000 if the coalition gets its way. The chances are they wont guarantee accommodation unless perhaps you list the uni as your first choice on your UCAS application. However they usually organise house hunting events with the Student Union so you'll have some form of accommodation. Uni accommodation in London will probs be around £100 a week depending on the facilities in your hall. The University will probs have a library and will have internet access to get information from, but any other books you want will have to be bought, which I recommend doing. I think if you are a UK or EU citizen you are entitled to a student loan that will help pay off your expenses, but I'm not sure if this is just for UK citizens

Hope this helps :)

Gwendolyn Said:

I'm out in the 'real world' soon- what things do I need to budget for?

We Answered:

If you think you've thought of everything believe me you'll have missed something!
The best way I found to get used to controlling my money was a "Bills" account as well as a normal bank account (all banks will be OK with you having this).
Work out the total costs of your bills add 15% of that total and transfer that amount every month into the bills account using a direct debit. Now that quantity has gone everything left in your normal account is yours to do with as you please, and you know you have enough money in your bills account to pay everything.

If your income allows I'd also set up a savings account and save a fixed amount every month, after a few months you'll be used to not having that money but it will pay for luxuries and the like when you feel you need them.

Oh yes don't become a beer hound, when I was 19 I was spending 400 pounds a month on beer! That was over 20 years ago and I still wince when I think about the money I wasted.

Good luck, be warned leaving home will be a stark realisation of just how much being your own boss and having no parental limits costs.

Oh yes be careful: areas of London are cesspits made that way by the people who live there.