Are student loans based upon credit ratings?

I have a really poor credit rating because of Natwest who put me as 'out of contact' because of not updating my address properly. Now I'm at college and should be off to uni in 2008, but am concerned I might not get student loans cos of my rating? Was told by someone that credit ratings are not part of the process as it's a government thing? Any ideas what the case is?

Public Comments

1. Hey dont worry! I have just had my first instalment from my studdent loan! I had the same issue, i thought because i have an awful credit rating that i wouldnt be able to have one.. But the whole process is just based on your and your parents income..Nothing else!
2. The studentloan has nowt to do wit credit rating, and anyway once you leave uni to pay back the loan depends how much you earn, it appears on your payslip.
3. student loans havwe nothing to do with your credit rating. its based on your total earnings for the year and your outgoings.
4. hay do not worry about it if you are a student the government will fall over them self to give you money as will most company will want to give you money off i know i live in Plymouth and the students around there get ever thing even there own pubs and top class flats so just tell ever one you are a student sit back and count the money also you do not have to pay most off it back
5. No they will give you as much money as you want. They dont care at all.
6. no
7. No one has a worst credit rating than me (I am not proud of that) but I have gotten student loans every year. You can't get max if you don't qualify. You must fill out the FAFSA . It will tell you how much grant you get..you will get enough loan to cover the rest of your living costs (minus grant or personal contributions).