Cost of Living Hub

We have launched a new Cost of Living Hub to ensure that student advice, discounts and support can be easily found in one place. Take advantage of cheap eats, student discounts and support from our experts on campus!

Here are some of our helpful money tips and the support that is available to you to help you budget whilst studying and make your money last longer!

1. Work out your budget

It is hard to set a precise weekly budget before you get to university and before you see what things really cost, but with a little bit of planning and setting yourself some realistic limits, should help to make your money go further.

Working out an outline budget before you go is a good idea – even a rough idea of how much money you will have available each week will help you to avoid blowing your budget early.

Use this handy budget planner to help you take stock of your monthly spending.

2. Get student discount on your council tax

Students are eligible for discounts on their council tax. You can ask your local authority what discounts and benefits are available for you as a student.

Depending on whether there is just one student in your household or a full house, find out what discount you can get on the government website

3. Take advantage of student discounts!

There are hundreds of discounts you are eligible for as a student and you should always remember to ask for student discount when you’re out and about.

We’ll keep you up to date with the latest student discounts over on MyBedsLife

4. Rent or borrow books

Our Library is filled with all the books you need in your studies. So save yourself from spending money or new books and make the most of what we have.

View the library catalogue

5. Save on travel

Students are generally entitled to cheaper train and bus fares. Always make sure you check before purchasing tickets to save on travel!

See what railcards are available.

6. Earn while you learn

There are so many jobs out there that you can fit around your studies.

Have a look on our careers page to see what jobs are available.

7. Access to Learning Fund

If you get into financial difficulties while studying, help is available from the Access to Learning Fund. This provides extra money if you need help for your course or to stay in higher education and can also provide help if you are on a low income or suffering financial hardship.

The fund can be used for course and living costs that are not met by other grants, for emergency payments to cover financial crises, or to help you if you are thinking of giving up your course because of financial difficulties.

Read more about the Access to Learning Fund and see if you are eligible.

8. Cost of living support

The government have put plans in place to help people during the cost-of-living crisis including support with income, bills and childcare costs.

Read more on the government website to see if you are eligible to any additional support.

9. Help for Households

With the worry of the cost-of-living crisis getting worse it is important to save on your bills where you can. The government has introduced a Help for Households scheme and will be sharing where you can get discounts and promoting retailers who are reducing pricing during this time.

Take a look at the Help for Households scheme

10. Scholarships and bursaries

Here at the University of Bedfordshire we understand students are concerned about the idea of debt and how to cover the cost of university.

To help with this we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support your studies and that’s cash that you don’t need to pay back.

Find out more about our scholarships and bursaries

11. Funding available to you

Have you applied for all the funding that is available to you? Make sure you have applied for student finance and see if there is anything else on offer to you.

Read more about student finance support

12. Laptop Loan Scheme

The university offers a laptop loan for students who may need to borrow equipment.

Apply now and find out more about the Laptop Loan Scheme

13. Talk to the Student Money Advice team!

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable at times, and it is sometimes hard to know who to talk to. The most important thing to know is that you can and should reach out if you need help.

The Student Money Advice team offers confidential financial advice, information, and support. If you have any money worries our advisors can give you general advice on a range of issues and will point you towards alternative sources of funding that may be available.

Support is available to all students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. Whether you are an international student, a mature student, a student living at home, or living in another country, you can contact Support Money Advice

Student Money Advice

Contact the team via email: studentmoney@beds.ac.uk