I contacted Studylink for help with my emergency, there’s no way I could pay $2,500 up front. They could only give me $300 max toward my dental costs… so that left me with a balance of $2,200 to pay… that wasn’t going to happen so I looked elsewhere.

Waikato Student Union not only organise a whole lot of fun events for students, but I’ve also found out that they’re great at providing support and advocating for their students. I was a bit stressed to hear that Studylink would only cover $300 max toward my huge dental bill but when I contacted WSU for help they put me onto Shannan Kelly, the Advocacy Coordinator. Shannan told me that they could provide a grant of $500 which was pretty cool, but it still left me short. Then she suggested that I shop around cause I was probably getting ripped off! She gave me the contact details for Raukura Hauora o Tainui Dental Centre on Victoria Street.

So I got in touch with Raukura Hauora o Tainui Dental Centre. The lovely Glenda said she couldn’t believe what we were being charged. They could do my teeth for $35 per appointment. That means it would cost me a maximum of $70 to get my teeth fixed (depending on how many appointments it takes). All I needed to provide them with was my Community Services Card (which all students have!). Stoked. My problem was solved and the Studylink emergency grant would easily cover it!

Thanks to the team at WSU – you’ve got me back up to speed.

Seeing as I had to miss class today and couldn’t hand in my assignment I spoke to my lecturer and pushed out the deadline. Once I flashed my dentist quote they were pretty obliging and gave me till the end of Friday. The pain should be gone by tomorrow night enabling me to have a good night at 101.

Anyway, my advice to any student in a spot of trouble is to get in touch with WSU – they gave the best advice out!