Uni is an exciting time, and we are here to support you in managing your finances. See our savings and budgeting tips, making money at uni and much more!
Budgeting at University
Keeping on track of your finances at uni can be difficult, why not check our budget planning tools
These can help you find ways to:
- cut costs
- save you money
- meet your financial goals.
Looking for ways to cut down your expenses? We have some hints and tips to help you cut down on your spending.
Our My Money Manager tool gives information about where your money goes, advice on shopping smarter, cancelling subscriptions and much more.
According to the 2023 Student Money Survey, 82% of students worried about making ends meet.
Don’t forget to check for scholarships, grants, and bursaries with your university.
Take advantage of our student bank account and make use of our free 4-year railcard.
Looking to move your belongings into halls?
Make your move to university a smooth one with AnyVan removal services. Rated as Excellent Over 115,000+ reviews on Trustpilot and 3 million customers.
Have you seen Santander Universities?
We have regular giveaways, as well as access to Open Academy, our free E-Learning and training platform.
UCAS - Money and student life
All about money, from budgeting to student discounts and student finance information.
Making money at uni
Making money at uni is a great way to increase your income. We have a side hustle toolkit that can help you start, scale up and grow your business! Check out our Breakthrough page for more resources, guidance and our side hustle toolkit
Santander X can help train you and give you the resources to grow your business. It will also give you the opportunity to join the wider community of side hustlers and grow your network.
Are you planning on renting as a student? We have some great tips on renting your first place while at uni.
Ways to rent
When looking for private uni accommodation, you have the option of renting directly through the landlord, or alternatively through a letting agent. Using a letting agent will reduce and eliminate any contact with the landlord themselves. Most cities will have letting agents focused on finding accommodation for students. Check with your university’s student accommodation department as they can guide you to the relevant agents.
Deposit
When looking for a place, be aware that if the property is <£50,000, the deposit cannot exceed 5 weeks rent. Think about what you can realistically afford, your student loan, savings, and any other earnings. It’s recommended that monthly rent should not exceed 35% of your earnings.
What to look out for
What is the tenancy length? Ideally, you'd have a 12-month tenancy to cover the academic year.
Check what bills are covered in your contract, for example: gas, electricity, water and council tax. Some landlords will cover all bills, some will cap them at a certain amount, and some will exclude bills completely from the contract. If the rent does not include bills, make sure that you factor this into your decision as it can increase your monthly spend.
Key tips
Be organised before trying to find a place. Landlords may carry out checks that involve providing valid ID, immigration status and visa information. You may also need a rent guarantor. If you don’t have a guarantor, you can contact shelter for more information.
For an extensive guide to renting, check out the How to rent: the checklist for renting in England
It’s important to have your student loan sorted before starting university.
A student loan will usually cover tuition fees (max £9,250 per annum) and give you a maintenance allowance based on various factors, such as household income.
For more information on student loans, check out Get the facts on student loans
How student loans are different from normal loans
Student loans are different to commercial loans because they're provided by the government with extra protection.
How to apply
Student Finance England is the most popular provider of student loans.
Interest/repaying
Interest rates are linked to inflation rates. This means that the interest of the student loan may increase. This will be relative to the price of other goods and services as well.
Your repayments will begin in April after you’ve finished your course, and only if you're earning more than the income threshold of £25,000.
These deductions will be made automatically by your employer. Repayments are cancelled after 40 years.