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Need help with your money at university? Provided free by the Money Advice Service, keep track of your cash!

It is important to check you’ve applied for all the financial support available to you and that you’re aware of how much you will be receiving. Once you know this, you should start thinking about what you’ll need to spend this on and work out a budget so you know how far these funds will stretch.
This page offers advice and guidance that can help you make the right choices for you and your family - though no one is going to tell you what you should or shouldn't spend your money on – that is up to you!
Don't be afraid to switch bank accounts – shop around! There are lots of great deals out there including interest-free overdrafts, railcards, and more. Money Saving Expert have a great guide on student bank accounts.
Loads of shops and restaurants give discounts to students. Always ask! You could also buy an TOTUM card for additional savings.
Students are often on the wrong tax code and don't realise. You might be due a refund. Check with the Jobshop at Careers or call HMRC.
When you get your loan instalment it's tempting to go on a big shop! Most people will never have received so much money in one go before. Think before you spend – make a list of all the important things you need to use the money for first (rent, food, transport, utility bills) and then see if you have some leftover. You can find budgeting advice online on The Money Advice Service Budget Planner website.
If you take the bus each day then it is defnitely worth buying a termly or monthly bus pass. Paying for a return ticket each day will soon add up.
The Careers Service have a great Jobshop and can give you loads of advice on job hunting, applications and CVs. Most students work part-time throughout their studies, and it's a great way to get more work experience.
Takeaways and eating out can be expensive. We all deserve a treat now and then, but day-to-day it is unrealistic to eat out all the time or order takeaway every day. Most people will bring their own lunch to uni to save money. Also think about cooking at home and with flatmates, it means you can buy in bulk and save money, and leftovers are perfect for the next day. You can find cheap recipe ideas online.
You don't need brand new books. If you haven't found the library yet, you're missing out. Most courses will have set books that are available for free in the library or via an online journal. You could also buy secondhand books online. There's no point spending £100s on books just for one term.
If you can avoid it, we recommend you don't use a credit card while studying. There are some good deals out there but you need to investigate fully and understand what you're signing up to.
Payday loans are even worse than credit cards. They charge high interest rates and can cause you lots of problems. You could end up paying back double what you borrowed. The Student Funding team offer a short term loan scheme (interest-free) as an alternative.
If you think you might struggle whilst at uni, ask for help. The sooner you act, the sooner you might be able to resolve any worries you have. Student Wellbeing Services are open all year round to give you confidential advice and guidance.
In addition to the various options for financial support provided by the Government and University, there are Educational Trusts and Charities that may be able to offer you further funding.
There are many trust and charity organisations who have a wide range of criteria that may be able to offer non-repayable financial assistance, depending on your personal circumstances.
You can contact Student Wellbeing Services and speak with a Wellbeing Advisor who may be able to help support your application and answer any queries you may have.
Full time students cannot usually claim benefits. In general, students are expected to receive support via the statutory student funding system, such as student loans and grants.
However, if you're a full-time student, you may be entitled to claim benefits throughout the year or for a limited period if you are a:
Part-time students may be able to claim benefits if they meet the basic rules of entitlement. Contact your local benefits office for further details.
You can check your entitlement to any benefits on the Turn2Us website.
For further information, please visit www.gov.uk.
If you're concerned or have any queries about possible benefit entitlement, please contact Student Wellbeing Services.