Students at the University of Bradford who face starting the new academic year with no cash after a computer glitch are being urged not to panic.

A new computer software programme was installed by the Student Loan Company (SLC) at the end of last year to allow students across the country to apply online for loans.

And because of a national backlog of applications, thousands of students across the country may not get their cheques in time.

But staff at the University of Bradford's student and information services department have already drawn up a contingency plan to help cope with the problem.

A spokesman for the department said people starting or continuing their studies would not be out of pocket.

She said: "We knew earlier this year there would be a problem and we've planned well ahead in advance.

"We already have mechanisms in place for students eligible for loans who face delays in their money coming through.

"We are able to loan them money through the Access to Learning fund and this will help get them through until their cheque arrives.

"The main message we want to get across is: 'don't panic'."

University staff have been sent e-mails and advice they should give to students in difficulty.

Information is also available on

the university's website at www.bradford.ac/

admin/student-services/sis

Students are also being sent a flier from the student union urging them to keep calm.

Sarah Cartin, a former politics student at the university who has worked for the student union since she graduated in 2003, said they hoped the delay would not deter people from starting university.

She said: "The university has a number of measures to assist students with financial commitments, such as childcare costs, as well as short-term funding options for those awaiting their loans.

"I urge all students not to let this affect their plans for coming to university in September. We will do all we can to help."

All students are advised to continue with their plans to arrive and register on dates outlined by their department.

The crisis was triggered by the introduction of a £30 million centralised loan system designed to replace the 172 databases previously used by education authorities.

Applications from people in Bradford are tracked by finance staff at Bradford Council on behalf of the SLC.

The deadline was July 2 and more applications are expected after next Thursday's A-level results.

A spokesman for the SLC said those who met the deadline would be paid on time and those who applied later would get their cheques during the first term.

For more details telephone (01274) 236500.