Get top tips and advice from fellow students, in our Cost of Living students blog.

Monday 14 October

Top money tip - ask for help

If you’re worried about your money, or dealing with debt, don’t keep it to yourself. Although it can be stressful, problems with money only get worse if you ignore them.

• Please speak to your Students’ Guild Advice Service. They can help find the right advice and support for you.
• If you’re struggling with paying your tuition fees, or the rent on your University accommodation, talk to us. You can contact us through the Student Information Desk (SID).
• You may be able to get financial help through our Success for All Hardship Fund, or our range of bursaries, in place to help if your financial situation is affecting your ability to study. They don’t need to be paid back and can help with the cost of things such as IT equipment, accommodation, travel, childcare, living costs, additional course costs and other unexpected outgoings.
• As well as the Students’ Guild, you can get advice on managing your debt from organisations such as Step Change. By using their Money Health Check they can understand your situation and give you support and guidance. 

Get all the details in the Money, Advice and Support section

Monday 7 October

Top money tip - Low on funds? Big on fun.

Sticking to your budget doesn’t have to mean missing out. There are loads of free and low-cost activities designed so that you can make the most of your time at Uni.  

• Check out the range of free Pitch Up and Play sessions run by Student Sport. From athletics and basketball to Jiu Jitsu and table tennis – there’s loads to do when it suits you.
• Bring a Friend Friday – pair up with someone who has student membership with Exeter Sport and get free access to a class, the gym or for a swim each Friday! 
• Get live concert tickets for £5, for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) performances at the Great Hall.  
• The Student Guild’s Society & Club Participation Fund can provide up to £50 for you to join societies and clubs, as well as for tickets for events and activities. 
• The Students' Guild makes as many events as possible free for you to attend, while our Intercultural Café and the Connections Café from the Multifaith Chaplaincy are a great way to socialise with free drinks and snacks. 

Get all the details in the Leisure and Living section.

Monday 30 September

Top money tip - Boost your job search with Career Zone

If you’re looking for a part-time job while you’re at Uni, the best place to start is with your resident experts at the Career Zone. 

• Listen to their podcast on finding a part time job – it’s full of advice on where to find opportunities on- and off-campus, how to make your application stand out and how to balance work around your studies. 
• Check out their website for opportunities and advice on casual jobs, internships and specific information for international students
• See all the latest local jobs on Handshake

Get all the details in the Money, Advice and Support section.

Monday 23 September

Top money tip - Set a budget

Whether you’re just starting out at University, or are returning to your studies, we’ve got loads of tips to help you keep on top of your money. The first step is to work out your budget for the term:

• Look at your money and how long it needs to last you. If you’re receiving a maintenance loan it will come in three termly instalments.
• Work out how much you need for all your essential contracted fixed costs, such as rent and your phone bill – make sure you can pay these first.
• Next how much do you need to live and study – for food, books and transport? (Have a look on these pages for info on great deals and savings for these.)
• Then look at what’s left for other things you want to do, and balance what you can afford. 

The Money Helper Budget Planner may help you, or there are other free budgeting tools online. And the Students’ Guild can help you with budgeting advice. 

Low-cost food options

When money’s tight, you don’t have to go without. We have low-cost options for food and drink on our campuses, including; 

• Help yourself from the Food Save Community Fridge in the Forum Library foyer.  
• Get free soup at St Luke’s on Thursday lunchtimes, thanks to the Multifaith Chaplains.  
• Use our microwaves and free hot water to bring your own hot meals to campus.
• Super Savour nutritionally balanced meals from just £2.25 now available lunchtimes Monday to Friday from the new location in the Barisca outlet in the Terrace cafe, first floor of Devonshire House on Streatham campus.
• £2.25 Dish of the Day, lunchtimes Monday to Friday from Cross Keys, St Luke’s.  
• Look out for the Everyday Low Price products stocked in the Market Place, Forum.
• Save on food and reduce food waste with the Too Good To Go app

Get all the details in the Shopping and Essentials section

Whether you’re just starting out at University or are returning to your studies, we have some tips to help you keep on top of your money. 

1. Consider opening a student bank account.

If you’re getting a maintenance loan you’ll need it to be paid into a bank account. Banks offer a range of different accounts with different benefits and incentives. Find out more about the types of account available at Money Helper or check out Money Saving Expert for their advice on choosing the best account for you.

2. Work out your budget

• Look at your money and how long it needs to last you. If you’re receiving a maintenance loan it will come in 3 termly instalments.
• Work out how much you need for all your essential contracted fixed costs, such as rent and your phone bill – make sure you can pay these first.
• Next how much do you need to live and study – for food, books and transport?
• Then look at what’s left for other things you want to do, and balance what you can afford.

The Money Helper Budget Planner may help you, or there are other free budgeting tools online. And the Students’ Guild can help you with budgeting advice.

3. Make sure you’re getting all you’re entitled to

Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for extra financial support, bursaries or benefits. For example, if you have caring responsibilities, need help to join a society, or need additional equipment to support your learning, there may be extra money available to you. Find out more in our Success For All Fund FAQs or ask your Students’ Guild Advice Service. 

4. Look out for deals and savings

Lots of places offer student discounts and special deals. Check out Save The Student for the latest deals and freebies out there. Consider shopping together with your housemates so you can make the most of 'Buy One Get One Free' deals and bulk buying economies of scale.

5. Up your income

Consider a part time job if you can fit it around your studies. Career Zone advertise part time jobs that can help you gain experience and earn money while studying. Save The Student has a whole host of other money making tips, from shopping on cashback sites to completing paid surveys.

6. Don’t be tempted to use loan sharks, illegal money lenders, or quick-money schemes that may not be legitimate

If you’re struggling you can apply to our Success for All Fund for help during your time at Exeter. 

7. Deal with your debt

Although it can be stressful, problems with debt only get worse if you ignore them. Talk to your creditors about your situation and try to negotiate an affordable payment plan. If you’re struggling with paying your tuition fees, or the rent on your University accommodation, talk to us. You can contact us through the Student Information Desk (SID).  You can get advice on managing your debt from your Student Union or Student Guild advice service, or from debt organisations such as Step Change or National Debtline.

7. Ask for help

If you’re worried about your money, or dealing with debt, don’t keep it to yourself.  Please speak to your Students’ Guild Advice Service. They can help find the right advice and support for you.