Save the Students Student Money Survey 2021 highlighted:

  • 76% of students worry about making ends meet
  • 1 in 10 have never budgeted
  • 74% wish they’d had a better financial education

UCL estimates essential living costs to be between £261 to £327 per week, not including tuition, depending on level of study and accommodation type. However, a quarter of students report having just under £12 per week to live off. As a result, many students say they're unable to afford basic items including textbooks (23%) and food, with half (49%) reporting skipping a meal and 5% reporting using a food bank.

We want to help students avoid money problems by preparing and planning, and to manage any problems that do arise before they reach crisis point.

We are creating a programme of workshops, webinars, 1-2-1 coaching sessions, blog posts, articles and social media content to support all UCL students to improve their financial literacy, facilitated by our specialist Money and Budgeting Advisors. Activities will cover key financial education topics such as:

  • Funding studies
  • Banking and Saving
  • Budgeting
  • Bills
  • Credit and Managing Debt

Resources

The Money Charity - The Student Money Manual
The Student Money Manual is a beginner’s guide to looking after your money at university and includes interactive exercises to build a budget.

Save The Student Budgeting Planner
Student-focussed budgeting plan with printable budget sheet.

Money Saving Expert - Students
Guides and tools to help you save money while studying.

Citizens Advice Debt and Money
Wide variety of information about money, debt, mortgage arrears, rent payments, banking, borrowing and pensions.

Money Advice Service Budget Planner 
A comprehensive online budgeting tool, with guidance, that you can save and return to later.  

National Debtline 
Similar to Money Advice Service but the National Debtline tool gives you the option to print a budget out and fill in if you prefer. 

News, Articles and Blogs

Managing Your Money Over the Winter Break
This time of year can add extra pressure to our finances, whether it’s from extra nights out, buying presents or increased utilities costs. That’s why ahead of the winter break it’s important to familiarise yourself with your budget and ways to stay on track.
An easy way to help us support students facing financial hardship
We’re fundraising to support even more students with the cost of living. Last academic year we awarded more than £215,000 in hardship grants, helping students pay bills, deal with emergencies, and get involved in student life.
Financial Help for Disabled Students & Student Carers
If you have a long-term disability or health condition, or if you are a carer to a relative or friend, there may be additional financial support you are eligible for. Here is a list of the main welfare benefits you might be able to claim : 
Welfare Benefits for Students
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be entitled to claim some financial support while studying through welfare benefits.