If you have just entered the UK and are awaiting documents from the Home Office, please get specialist advice from your college or university. You should also have applied for a hardship loan as the Access Fund will not normally be available to you. Access funds can't be used to contribute to tuition fees for Higher Education students. If you are on benefit, some forms of income may be deducted from your benefits, others are disregarded. Access Funds Contact your student services or student welfare advisers and you will be asked to fill out a form which will include details of your income and any other financial support you are receiving.
Systems are often in place to pay out in a very short time for real emergencies.
You may also find it useful to talk with a money adviser about any debts you are liable for. Some are more important than others to deal with early and a money adviser may be able to help to negotiate reasonable payment periods or avenues for further funding help. Don't forget to ask for help with taxation as you will probably be paying too much tax initially and should be able to claim a tax rebate.