Money worries

Are you worried about making ends meet over the academic year?  If so here are some suggestions as to how you might be able to get your hands on some extra cash.  Select the relevant arrow or question and advice and information will be revealed.

(If you are an International student some of the answers below may not be relevant to you.  If you are worried about your finances please talk to the International Office Support Services staff.)

Short of cash?

• Have you claimed all possible student support?

  Check you are in receipt of all possible financial support both from the Government and the University or for NHS funded courses from the NHS.
  
  Additional support is available to students with dependents including help with the cost of Childcare.
   

• Consider part time work

  While studying must be a priority many students find they can successfully hold down a part time job alongside their studies. Unitemps Nottingham , the Careers and Employability Service (CES) recruitment agency for temporary work, Unitemps, offer opportunities to find work on campus and around Nottingham. The CES can also help you to prepare the perfect CV and give tips on job searching. The CES is situated in the Portland Building.
   

• Apply for additional support funds from the University

  The University has several funds to help eligible students who find themselves struggling financially. Go to the Support funds page for more information.
   

• Sort out an interest free overdraft on your bank account

  High street banks are keen to get your custom - they expect students will become the high earners of the future and stick with them for life. To entice you in they offer students interest free overdrafts. Many students make use of the interest free overdraft to get them through term time and then work during the holidays to repay the debt. If you haven't already got a student account with an interest free overdraft you could consider contacting your bank to talk about your options.
   

• Are you eligible for state benefits?

  Most full time higher education students are not entitled to income related benefits, however certain groups may be able to make a claim. As a general guide you may be able to claim if you:

  • are a lone parent
  • have a partner who is also a student and one or both of your are responsible for a child
  • have a disability, and qualify for the disability premium, severe disability premium or income related Employment and Support Allowance

  You may be eligible for Child Tax Credits if you are a student and have responsibility for a child.
  
  The Student Advice and Representation Centre (SARC) can help you work out if you qualify for any benefits. SARC is situated in the Portland Building on University Park Campus.
  
  Email: student-advice-centre@nottingham.ac.uk

   

Students with children

• Childcare Support Scheme

  The University has a small fund to help with the cost of essential childcare whilst you are studying.  Visit the Support funds page for more information.
   

• Dependants Bursary

  The University offers a bursary for students with child or adult dependants.  For more information go to the Bursaries and Scholarships pages.
   

• Additional allowances from the Government or NHS

  Both the Government via Student Finance and the NHS offer additional funding depending on your personal circumstances. 

  From Student Finance there is the;

  • Childcare grant
  • Parents Learning Allowance

  The NHS offers:

  • Dependants allowance
  • Childcare allowance
  • Parents Learning allowance
   

• State benefits

  Students with children may be eligible for state benefits including Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits.  Check 'Are you eligible for state benefits' above.
   

Problems with Student Finance/Student Loans Company

• Student Finance Enquiry Line

  If you need to phone Student Finance England (SFE) then you can call them on 0845 3005090.  Calls will be free from a BT phone but will be expensive from a mobile.

  Each Student Services Centre has a phone for students to use which has the SFE helpline number pre-programmed into it.  Calls from here are free.

  For Student Finance Wales, Northern Ireland or Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) please check their web pages for helpline numbers.

   

• Come along to a Money Doctors Drop-in

  If you are finding it difficult to resolve a problem with Student Finance please come along to a Financial Support Drop-in.  Check the dates and times at each Centre.

  The Team are experienced in helping students resolve funding problems.  Please bring with you your Student Finance account login information including; reference number, password and secret answer. 

   

• Is there any help while my funding is sorted?

  If your student funding is delayed through no fault of your own, then we may be able to offer a short term, interest free loan from the Student Crisis Fund until your funding is through. 

  Please note we will not lend money to cover accommodation costs.  Please contact the Accommodation Office or your accommodation provider to let them know your funding is delayed and to sort out a payment plan.

   

Worried about debt

• If you are worried about debt contact the Student Advice and Representation Centre (SARC), Portland Building, University Park for help and advice.  Staff are trained debt advisors, experienced in helping students resolve debt problems.
• Telephone SARC: 0115 84 68730
• Email SARC: student-advice-centre@nottingham.ac.uk

Help with budgeting

• Budget Planner
• Student top tips - money saving tips for students by students
• Paying household bills