Worried about the cost of living?

Understanding your money, how to budget, how to make more of your money and knowing what to do if things are going wrong are essential skills for life. Here are links and guides to help keep your finances on track.

It’s really easy for things to go wrong with your money very quickly. In a week or two, your finances can change dramatically, and you can suddenly be in difficulty. Get in the habit of checking your bank account regularly so you know how things are going, and if they’re going wrong, don’t ignore it. It’s nothing to be embarrased about and lots of people can help, however bad you think it might be.

The most simple way to manage your money is to control what money is going out of your bank account – your spending, and understand what money is coming in – your income. 

Student Money Guide

Check out our savvy student guide to money, with essential resources, students tips and tricks to manage your finances.

Managing your spending

Having an idea of what’s going out of your account is the first step towards being in control of your money. It’s tempting to go wild when your money is paid in to your bank account; to avoid problems later on in the term, click on the links below and get control, right now!

Paying for University and accommodation

These are likely to be the big, essential bills. Know when they go out of your account – is it every year, term or month?

I want to know how to budget

A budget is when you calculate the amount of money coming in and the amount of money going out over a set period of time, e.g a term. When you know this, you can work out how much you have to spend each week. Sounds easy, right?

I’m spending too much. How can I spend less?

Now you’ve done your budget, you might spot that you’re spending too much. Limiting the money going out of your account, or making it work better for you, is one of the most important things you’ll learn in life. 

Essentials

  • Study spaces on campus – These spaces around campus are warm, and some are open 24/7, should you ever need to get away from your cold flat!
  • Warm spaces around Leeds – This Leeds Council page shows a map of warm spaces near where you live that you can go to if you’re feeling extra cold.
  • 17 tips to save money on bills – Save the Student have compiled these top tips to help you save money on your energy bills.
  • Uswitch – Thinking of changing your phone contract, broadband or energy provider? Uswitch is a great page to compare all the best deals out there.
  • Free period products are located across a number of collection points on campus, and this link outlines all the places where you’ll find sanitary pads and tampons.
  • Travelling on a budget – Whether you’re travelling to visit family or just to relax and expand your cultural horizons, find our top tips for travelling on a budget.

Food

Socialising

Top tips

Getting more money

Now you understand about what’s going on with your outgoing money, knowing all about your income and what is available to you is essential. Whether it’s a side hustle, finding out you’re eligible for funding or getting a part-time job, we’ve got some useful tips for you. 

Are you eliglble for funding or other money?

I want to get a job

Having a part-time job is a great way of bringing in more money. If this is a regular amount, you’ll be able to add it in to your budget planning too. 

  • Joblink is based in Leeds University Union (LUU) and connects students like you to jobs. They have lots of different jobs; from ones that are regular, weekly ones you can fit around your studies or one-off roles, e.g. being paid for your opinion, helping at an event and much more. Definitely your number one location to check out.
  • Leeds Internship Programme works with local Small and Medium sized Enterprises, charities and multi-national organisations to advertise paid opportunities, exclusively for University of Leeds students. 
  • Careers service is based on campus and online. Certainly worth checking out opportunities available via MyCareer, sign up for their regular newsletter promoting new jobs, and they can also provide support if you’re preparing for an interview or writing a CV. 
  • Studentjob is one of many websites which lists part-time jobs in Leeds. 
  • Paperound is a website where business owners employ students to complete tasks for them.

If you’re looking to work and are an international student, make sure you’re aware of any visa retrictions you’ll need to know about. Contact the Student Information Service with any questions around work and your visa. 

General job hunting advice

  • Search for ‘part-time jobs in Leeds’ and you’ll find lots listed.
  • Sign up for a recruitment agency and they may be able to help find you work.
  • Check out adverts in shop windows – often retail, pubs and bars, restaurants and cafes are looking for students to work.
  • Why not pop in to nearly places at a quiet time and speak to someone to see if they’re looking for anyone like you? They might not have got round to advertising a job yet, and you might strike it lucky!

Got a skill that you think could make money?

Having a side hustle is a great way to make money. You might already have the skills and are looking to make money from them. 

The side hustles with the most opportunities to make money in 2022

I need help with money

Being stuck in debt or facing financial difficulties is a worrying experience for anyone, but there is help available, including financial support.

University financial support scheme

Registered students and PGRs at the University of Leeds who are facing genuine or unexpected financial difficulties can apply to the University Financial Assistance Fund (formerly the Leeds Hardship Fund) for help towards the payment of essential living costs.

University Financial Assistance schemes 

I need to talk to someone neutral at the University about money

Almost everyone will have money difficulties at some point during their time at University. Money worries can make you feel anxious, embarrassed and can affect your quality of life. Speak to someone about your situation as soon as you can. The quicker you can speak to someone, the sooner it can be sorted out, and you’ll feel better. When you speak to someone at the University about your money, they won’t judge you, they won’t make you feel bad or ashamed. 

Leeds University Union’s Help and Support team are professional and friendly. All help is free and confidential and the service is independent of the University. Contact the team by sending them an email or visit the website to find out how you can access their services.

The Student Information Service are friendly, professional and have knowledgeable staff that can answer a wide range of student-related questions. If we don’t have the answer, or if you need support from a specialist team, we will get you in contact with the right people. We’re with you every step of the way:

Call

Our Helpline Team are on hand Monday to Friday 9-5 pm.

  • Call +44 (0)113 343 7000 (from outside of the UK)
  • Call 0800 915 0402 (from inside the UK. This is a free phone number, and you won’t be charged for calling this from your mobile or landline).

Email us

You can email us at studentinfo@leeds.ac.uk

Speak to us, face to face

Our Information Points are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. 

I want to speak to someone independent of the University about money