22 years old and in 3k debt…..

Recently graduated from university and started an internship in London. I managed to receive a full-time offer and negotiated my start date to be ~2 months later allowing me to travel South America with mates.

Issue is that I am now back home with:
~£1k owed to family (informal loans)
~£600 on a recently opened interest-free (for 6 months) credit card
~£1.5k overdraft on a graduate account (interest-free)

As I prepare to move back to London next week, I’m short on cash and likely need ~£1–1.2k for a flat deposit, plus additional funds for living costs until my first paycheck arrives. I have ~£900 left until the limit on my credit card, and ~£200 in my bank account.

I’ve looked into personal loans, but the only options I’m currently eligible for are around ~45% APR, which isn’t ideal.

I’m considering asking my employer for a salary advance, but I’m not sure how common or acceptable that is in practice, especially for a new grad hire. Outside of that, I’m struggling to see what options I have - any suggestions/recommendations would be really appreciated!

Posted May 24, 2026, 2:59 AM UTC

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