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Save the Students Student Money Survey 2024 highlighted:

  • 81% of students worry about making ends meet
  • Almost 1 in 10 students have used foodbanks
  • 67% have skipped meals to save money

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. 

Upcoming Events

Events & Activities
Advice Services Pop-up
26/02/2026 | 11:30 - 14:30
Join the Students' Union Advice Service for a bi-weekly pop-up. Need advice about finances, academics, housing, immigration, or a range of other topics? Our advice team is here for you, either to offer on-the-spot guidance or to direct you to our other services.Stop by and say hello! 
Clubs & Societies
Panel Event: Financing the green transition: Net Zero under pressure
26/02/2026 | 18:00 - 20:00
The Panel will explore ‘Financing the green transition: Net Zero under pressure.’ 🌍As regulatory uncertainty and shifting policy frameworks reshape energy markets and redirect investment flows, a central question arises: can governments and investors secure the scale of capital required to meet net zero commitments by 2050?
Events & Activities
Swap, Sow & Grow: Plant Sale and Seed Swap
03/03/2026 | 12:00 - 14:00
Do you want to grow your connection to nature? Join us at the IOE foyer on 25 February to buy home-grown plants and strengthen your green thumb. All proceeds will go to WWF, supporting the protection of nature’s wonders.

News, Articles and Blogs

Your Student Maintenance Loan’s About to Drop — Here’s How to Make It Last
Managing your money can feel overwhelming, especially when that maintenance loan payment hits your account. It might look like a lot at first, but without a plan, it can vanish quicker than you think.
Gaming and Gambling: What you need to know
As part of trying to Beat the January Blues, it is important to be aware of factors which may be impacting your mental health and overall wellbeing.
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.