Mortgage approval and student loans

My boyfriend and I wish to buy a house (first time buyers) but I will be in college (mature student) for the next 6 years. My boyfriend earns 29k and I earn about 10k a year at a part time job but will be in debt of about 5k throughout my education. Would it be better for him to apply for the mortgage on his own since I don't exactly look like a favourable candidate ?? Also we are worried that if I co-purchased a home it would affect my college grant.
Any suggestions/advice ??