Need help managing your finances? Start here.
- Money and discounts
- Health and wellbeing
- Travel
- Help with living costs
- Borrow a laptop
- Tools and support
💰 Money and discounts
Search for scholarships
- There are lots of scholarships, grants and bursaries you can apply for. Check The Scholarship Hub and see what’s available at Herts too.
- Turn2Us also provides information on grants, welfare benefits and other financial support you might be eligible for.
- The University also has financial awards . that you can apply for, depending on eligibility.
Sign up for student discounts
You can save money in lots of ways, including using student discounts. Check out UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM for discounts on clothes, food, travel and more.
🩺 Health and wellbeing
Prepare and plan for your meals
Food costs are rising, but there are still ways to keep your shopping bills low.
- Save the Student has tips on how to save money on your food shop, and the Association of Dietitians shares advice on eating healthily on a budget.
- If you are thinking about using a food bank (such as the Trussell Trust), please contact the Student Funding and Financial Support team, the Student Wellbeing team, or the Herts SU Advice and Support Centre — we may be able to support you.
Receive help with your healthcare costs
- You may be eligible for the NHS Low-income Scheme , which can help with costs like prescriptions, eye tests, dental treatment and travel to appointments.
- You can also look for other support schemes on the NHS website.
Talk to someone
- The Student Funding and Financial Support team is here to help you. You can attend a drop‑in session by completing the form.
- You can call the free 24/7 PAM Wellness counselling helpline any time of the year if you need to talk.
- The Student Wellbeing team is also available for support throughout your time at Herts.
✈️ Travel
Get discounted travel
- Uno buses run across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and into London. Students get discounted travel, and the campus shuttle bus is free with your student ID.
- For train discounts, check out National Rail railcards(16–25, 26–30, disability railcards and more).
- If you travel by coach, the National Express 16-26 card gives you a third off fares.
🏠 Help with living costs
Apply for the University's Short-Term Assistance Grant (STAG)
If you're struggling to cover essential, day-to-day living expenses then you may be eligible for the Short-Term Assistance Grant (STAG). STAG is a non-repayable award of £250 aimed at assisting students with the rise in the cost of living.
Don’t pay for council tax (if you’re eligible!)
- Full‑time students living alone or only with other students don’t need to pay council tax.
- You can request a council tax exemption letter from the University to show your local council.
- If you live with someone who isn’t a student, check the council tax rules on the Government website.
- Explore the Government website to see what financial support you may be eligible for, including their cost of living support page.
- If you live in the local area, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has a directory of support you can look through.
- If you feel unsure or overwhelmed, the Student Funding and Financial Support team can help and advise you.
Sort out your utility bills
- There are ways to save money on your energy bills, schemes from energy providers. EDF and British Gas Energy Trust offer advice and support on dealing with rising prices. For tips on saving water have a look at Ofwat.
- If you live in campus accommodation, bills are included in the price.
Borrow a laptop
You can borrow a laptop (Chromebook) for free from one of our Learning Resources Centres at any time for use on campus.
- 4 and 12 hour loans available
- Laptop loan lockers are located on the ground and first floors in both Learning Resources Centres
- No need to pre-book: available on a first come, first-served basis
Click here for more information on how our Learning Resources Centres can help you save money.
🛠️ Tools and support
Sign up to the Blackbullion e-learning platform to get free financial education and use their terrific budgeting tool.
You can always reach out to the Student Funding and Financial Support Team as there are lots of ways in which we can help you.