The world of student loans can be every confusing one indeed and there are so many other things you have to think about when starting university.

So that you are absolutely clear on what you owe and what you have to pay back when, take a look at these notes that act as a skeleton guide to the student loan process in England:

• Find out how much you need to pay for your fees. A 3 year course for a BA or a BSC at the average university in England will now cost around £27,000. But check with the university.
• This amount will be paid automatically to the university by the Student Loans Company; it never passes through your hands.
• You can then apply for your maintenance loan; this is generally another £3,000 a year but is not compulsory.
• You do your three years of study and graduate from university.
• Only in the following April will you have to start paying any student loan back.
• If you have paid £3,000 a year for your fees you will have to start repaying your loan when you are employed for at least £15,000 a year.
• If you have paid £9,000 a year for your fees you will have to start repaying your loan when you are employed for at least £21,000 a year.
• You do not have to sort out your own repayments; they will be deducted automatically from your pay packet each month through your National Insurance information.
• If your wage does not exceed the thresholds mentioned, after 30 years your debt will be eradicated.
• You can log in at the Student Loans Company any time to check the progress of your repayments.

Mike works with Essay Site, an academic service that offers everything from essay writing to hints and tips to students around the world.