- Create a budget
- Track your spending
- Increase your income
- Reduce your costs
- Set up regular payments
- Be careful with credit cards and short term loans
- Plan ahead
- Leave your card at home
- Learn money management with Blackbullion
- Get money advice on campus
Create a budget
Create a budget to understand how much you can afford to spend each week. Planning ahead can help you avoid overspending and stay in control of your finances.
Track your spending
Keep a record of what you spend each day or week. This can help you identify unnecessary costs and find ways to save money.
Increase your income
Make sure you are receiving all the financial support available to you.
- Find out how the University can help with your student finance application on the Funding from the Student Loans Company page.
- Consider getting a part-time job to boost your income and gain valuable experience.
- Check the Herts SU jobs board for opportunities.
Reduce your costs
You may be able to save money by:
- Cancelling subscriptions or services you no longer use.
- Checking whether you qualify for council tax exemption as a full-time student.
- Sharing the cost of a TV licence with your housemates if one is required.
- Quitting smoking, which can significantly reduce your spending.
- Bringing your own coffee and using hot water available from campus outlets instead of buying drinks every day.
Set up regular payments
If you make regular payments, setting up a standing order or direct debit can help you avoid missing payment dates.
Be careful with credit cards and short term loans
You may be offered credit cards, store cards or student overdrafts. Before accepting, carefully consider whether you need them.
If you need to borrow money, try to use interest-free options where possible.
Banks often advertise incentives and free gifts, but it is important to compare the support and services they offer.
Avoid short-term loan companies, even those that specifically target students. If you are struggling financially, contact Student Funding and Financial Support for advice and support.
Plan ahead
Include occasional expenses in your budget, such as:
- Start-of-term costs
- Birthdays
- Special occasions
- Gifts
Be realistic about what you can afford to spend.
Leave your card at home
Using cash instead of a debit or credit card can make it easier to keep track of your spending.
Consider withdrawing only the amount you have budgeted for the week to help avoid overspending.
Learn money management with Blackbullion
Blackbullion is a free online financial education platform available to all University of Hertfordshire students.
Visit the Blackbullion page on Ask Herts to find out more.
Get money advice on campus
The Student Funding and Financial Support team is based in Hutton Hub and provides:
- Money guidance
- Workshops
- Drop-in sessions
- Financial support
Support is available throughout the year.