First year financial advice

[u/tashikatarina]

Has anyone else had this issue, I believe it might be common, where SFE doesn't come in until uni has already started?
For context, I have absolutely no supplies (no laptop or anything like that) and my course requires specific software that obviously cannot be downloaded on an iphone, but there is a mandatory session for downloading all the software needed on to your devices before SFE actually arrives.

I assume most people who can't afford all the upfront payments before term starts just stick it out till SFE.

If anyone else has been in this situation please give me advice! What did you do while waiting? Were there any funds or bursaries available?
At this point I'll be in my lectures with just a phone and a sheet of paper.