Money

Various banks will offer a ‘student bank account’ with extra benefits such as interest-free overdrafts specifically for students in higher education. MoneySavingExpert provides more detailed information on the best student accounts.

Money Saving Expert

Make sure you are receiving all of the income such as student finance and funding that you are entitled to. Financial help may be available to students in certain circumstances such as if you are a care home leaver or have a disability that affects your ability to study. Aston University also has a number of bursaries, funds, and trusts available to students in certain situations. The University’s Student Hub can provide advice on Student Finance and the financial assistance available from the University.

Many students increase their income by working part-time. Visit the University’s Job Shop for help finding a job.

Most full-time students won’t be eligible for payment of welfare benefits. There may be exceptions such as if you have children, a partner who isn’t in full-time education, a disability or long-term health condition, or are over pensionable age. Our advice service can provide basic advice on benefits for students. Additional benefits advice for students can be found on Turn2us or the Citizens Advice Bureau (Birmingham), who specialise in benefits advice.

Creating a budget plan can help you to avoid financial difficulties which can have a negative impact on your wellbeing and cause stress.

You can do this by creating a spreadsheet or writing a list with your income and spending. Work out your income by adding up all of the sources of income you’ll receive over the year. Then do the same for your spending, making sure to include any tuition fees, rent, and to budget for food/drink, utilities, books, travel costs, etc. Ensure your income is more than or equal to your spending. Convert your annual income and spending into monthly or weekly amounts to help you manage and balance your budget.

We can help you create a budget plan and provide advice on your budget. MoneySavingExpert also has a helpful webpage on student budgeting and saving tips. Other websites like UCAS, Money Advice Service, and National Debtline offer budget sheets, calculators, and planners with guidance on costs you should remember to include.

A Few Tips:

• Budgeting: Use your budget sheet/planner to determine what you can afford to spend each week. Consider using cash to monitor your expenditure.
• Shopping: Buy a Totum/NUS Card to receive student discounts online and in stores.
• Food Shopping: Supermarkets often reduce prices towards the end of the day. Buy discounted items and freeze them for later use.
• Cooking: Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers. Find quick and affordable recipes on the BBC Website.
• Lunch: Make your own lunch and use a reusable water bottle to save money.
• Books: Use the library or buy second-hand books. Sell books you no longer need.
• Travel: Buy a 16-25 railcard to save 33% on train fares.
• Exercise: Exercise at home using free online videos. Walk more and take the stairs when possible.

Please contact us for advice as soon as possible if you are having money problems or find that your spending is more than your income. We can help you to review your budget and try to find ways of increasing your income. Please don’t wait until you are in debt or unable to afford your essential bills such as rent, tuition, and household bills. If we are unable to provide the level of help you require, we can provide information about other specialist advice organisations that may be able to help.

ARC

Student Hub - Aston University (Main Building)

Provides advice on tuition fees, student finance, and funding:

• Email: FinancialSupport@aston.ac.uk
• Telephone: 0121 204 4007
• Website: Student Advice

National Debtline

Charity providing free confidential debt advice:

• Telephone: 0808 808 4000
• Website with Resources and Factsheets: National Debt Line

Money Advice Service

Free and impartial money advice set up by the government:

• Telephone: 0800 138 7777
• Website with Resources and Advice: Money Advice Service

Gingerbread

Charity providing free confidential telephone advice on 0808 802 0925 for single parent families on a variety of issues including money matters such as benefits entitlement.

Disability Rights UK

Charity with information for disabled students in further and higher education:

• Telephone: 0330 995 0414
• Website: Disability Rights UK
• Factsheets and Resources: Education Factsheets

UKCISA

Charity for international students that provides extensive information on funding, as well as support for UK students intending to study overseas:

• Telephone: +44 20 7788 9214
• Website: UKCISA