I have a question about providing proof of self-sufficiency as a student. I have been unable to obtain bank statement for three of the years I'm applying based on (closed account from years ago). I however have a letter from my home country's government agency saying they've provided me with a grant, plus a letter from a parent declaring that they have helped me financially. Do you think in addition to this I should get a notary to sign a declaration of self-sufficiency for me (as listed in the types of proof they want) as I don't have bank statements to show the actual money in my account for the whole 5-year period? If so, is this "weaker" proof than bank statements? (I'm asking cos it seems a bit odd to just write a declaration and pay someone who doesn't know anything about your circumstances to counter sign it...)
Also, I have a double-barrel first name but in the UK I just go by the first part of that name as it's easier for people to say and write. Some of my documentation features the whole double-barrel name and some just the first part. Do you think this matters? Should I maybe mention this in the cover letter or in the section asking if I'm known by any other name?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
