Looking after your finances can be stressful and with the rise in the cost of living, it can feel even more overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of tips, advice, and resources to help save you money and make your budget go further.
Don’t forget, that you can also sign up to Blackbullion which offers free financial education including a budgeting tool.
And you can always reach out to the Student Funding and Financial Support Team as we’re here to help you. Click to check out how our team can support you.
On this page:
Money and discounts
Search for scholarships
There are a lot of scholarships, grants and bursaries available that you can apply for. The Scholarship Hub has plenty for you to search through and Herts also has financial opportunities that you can explore.
Turn2Us details information on grants, welfare benefits and financial assistance that may be available to you as well.
The University also has financial awards that you can apply for if you are eligible. Click to find out more.
Sign up for student discounts
There are a lot of ways to save money including using student discounts. Have a look at sites such as UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM where you can get discounts on clothes, food, travel and much more. You can buy your TOTUM card from Herts SU.
Health and wellbeing
Prepare and plan for your meals
Like everything else, food is becoming more expensive. But there are ways to try and keep those shopping bills down.
Save the Student have made a list of ways that you could be saving money on your food shop. While the NHS have produced a list of ways to eat healthily on a budget.
Please contact the Student Funding and Financial Support team, Student Wellbeing team or Herts SU Advice and Support Centre if you are considering using a food bank (such as the Trussell Trust) as we may be able to help you.
Receive help with your healthcare costs
You may also be eligible for the NHS Low-income scheme which helps with the costs for prescriptions, eye tests, dental treatment, and travel to appointments. You can also search for other schemes to help with costs through the NHS website.
Talk to someone
The Student Funding and Financial Support team are here to help and guide you through this challenging time. Come along to one of our drop-in sessions by filling out this form to see how we can help you.
You can also call our free 24/7 PAM Wellness counselling helpline that’s available 365 days of the year to discuss any worries or concerns you may have. Our Student Wellbeing team are also available to chat to you and support you throughout your time at Herts.
Travel
Get discounted travel
Here at Herts, we have Uno buses which run across the county and into Bedfordshire and London. As a student, you can get discounted travel and by showing your student ID card, you can travel on the shuttle bus between the campuses completely free!
Alternatively, if you’re searching for discounts on train travel then have a look at the National Rail railcards. They have a railcard for those aged between 16-25, 26-30, for those with a disability and much more. If you prefer to travel by coach across the country, then the National Express 16-26 travel card, which offers a third off the fare may be the best option for you.
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. Click for more information and to apply.
Don’t pay for council tax (if you’re eligible!)
If you’re a full-time student living alone or with other students - you don’t need to pay council tax. You can get a council tax exemption letter from the University to show your local council that you shouldn’t be paying council tax. If you live with someone who isn’t a student, then make sure you check the rules on the Government’s website.
You should also take the time to explore the Government’s website to see what you may be entitled to. The Government have their own cost of living page, which details what support is available, so check and see what help you could get. If you live in the local area, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council have also created a directory of support. If you’re not sure where to start or are feeling overwhelmed, then please contact the Student Funding and Financial Support team will be able to advise.
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
Rather than buy a laptop, you can borrow one for four or twelve hours for free any time on campus. Each of the Learning Resources Centres has a laptop loan locker on the ground floor that you can collect from. And you don’t need to pre-book! You can also loan a PC from the LRC to use off-campus.