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Advice and support to help you manage your money

Information for students on the Streatham and St Luke's Campuses

We know you may be feeling anxious about the rising cost of living, and managing your money at University. We have lots of information and advice to help you manage your finances, and we have support available if you’re struggling.

Tell us what you think

We realise that budgeting and cost saving can only go so far, and so you can keep getting the most out of your time with us at Exeter we’re continuing to look for more ways we can help support you through the cost of living crisis. We’re working together with all our campus partners to identify more practical help and opportunities where we can lessen the impact of rising costs on our students.

If you have ideas about ways we can do this, or suggestions for areas to explore, please let us know by giving your feedback through the feedback form on The Students’ Guild  website.

13 November

Warm study spaces

If you’re looking for somewhere on campus which is heated in the winter months, remember that the libraries in the Forum on Streatham campus and on St Luke’s are open for you 24/7. 

On Streatham Campus, Devonshire House is also available 24/7.

On St Luke’s, Giraffe House and Cross Keys also have 24/7 access - you’ll need to use your Unicard to access Cross Keys.

Find all study spaces and opening times.

If you’re studying on campus, or travelling to and from home, at night, please stay safe. Avoid travelling alone, try to stay with a group of friends if possible, and stick to busier and well-lit areas. In an emergency, call 999 or contact Estate Patrol if you’re on campus, through the SafeZone app or their emergency line 01392 722222.

Bringing your own food to campus

There are microwaves and hot water available in the following Hubs on Streatham campus:

Queen's - located in the cafe
Harrison - located in the cafe
Building One - located in cafe
Amory - located in the study area
Peter Chalk - located in the Hub
and also at Devonshire House, DH1.

At St Luke's, find them in Cross Keys - located by the coffee bar.

Student Art Pass – a year of art and opportunities for £10

A Student Art Pass lets you dive into culture on a budget with free entry to hundreds of museums and galleries across the UK, and 50% off major exhibitions. Plus, you’ll gain access to paid arts opportunities and grow your network by joining the #WeAreArtful @StudentArtPass community. All for just £10 a year. Available for a limited time. Get your £10 pass.


6 November

Eat well for less

Check out the Have your food and eat it recipe book from Recycle Devon
As well as looking at ways to save you money and time, the book includes tasty recipes to use up your leftovers and help reduce food waste while keeping your costs down. Try a Baked Bean Burger or a Throw Together Gratin. Let us know what you think of them, send us your pics, and share your own low-cost recipes with us at studentcomms@exeter.ac.uk.

Catering for all budgets

We’re always looking at the range of options we have available in our campus shops and outlets, to make sure we offer every-day value priced options to suit all budgets. We’ve recently introduced some new options at Comida, in Devonshire House, drop by and give them a try (subject to availability).

Savouries and bakes from £1.30
Filled rolls from £2.95
Filled baguettes from £3.30
Sweet treats from £1.00
Follow @eatandshopexeter on Instagram for the latest offers and information.

Too Good To Go

By signing up to the Too Good To Go app you can access special offers on unsold food at our Market Place, Forum on Streatham Campus. You can buy a 'magic bag' of goodies that are at the end of their use by, or best before dates. Bags cost around £3, and the RRP of the contents is around £10. It helps to combat the huge issue of food being wasted and can bag a bargain.

There are other shops around Exeter which are part of this scheme and publicise what they have to offer through the app.

Secure and easy ways to pay Tuition and Accommodation fees

Tuition and Accommodation fee payment date is Monday 13 November. Did you know that you (and parents and sponsors) can pay student fees via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or eWallet options, using our secure online payments platform?

If you are unable to pay your tuition fees all in one go, you can set up an automated payment plan, which splits the fees into monthly instalments. Get more details.

Make sure you only use these official and recognised University payment methods. To avoid any payment scams, please don’t give your personal details to anyone else unless you know and trust them.

If you are in financial difficulty and struggling to pay your tuition or accommodation fees, please log a SID enquiry to the Accounts Receivable team.


30 October

New to paying tax? 

If you’re working alongside your studies, be aware of tax scams to protect yourself and your money. Criminals posing as HMRC may contact you offering a tax refund or to tell you your National Insurance number has been used in a fraud. Make sure you’re on your guard!

Find out more about tax scams and how to report them, on the HMRC website.


23 October

Accommodation after your first year

If you’re thinking about where to live after your first year, don’t forget the Move Smart events taking place over the next few weeks will help. Check out the events section for info on what’s coming up, or find more details and Move Smart help on the website.

Stay warm with us

There’s no denying, winter is coming. As the weather gets colder, remember there are lots of places on campus where you can keep warm, without having to hike your heating bill, whether you’re studying or just hanging out. Find warm study spaces in our campus libraries, learning lounges and social spaces on Streatham and St Luke’s Campuses.

Money help and advice

We have a range of bursaries and hardship funds in place to help you if your financial situation is affecting your ability to study. They don’t need to be paid back and can help with the cost of things such as IT equipment, accommodation, travel, childcare, living costs, additional course costs and other unexpected outgoings.

Our Success for All Fund is available to help students in financial difficulty. So, if your financial situation is affecting your ability to study, please apply for help.

Dealing with debt?

We’re working with the UK’s leading debt advice charity, Step Change, to provide you with free, impartial and personalised support with your money and debt worries. If you’re worried about debt, it can be tempting to ignore the problem and hope it’ll go away on its own. But waiting often makes things worse – so it’s best to get help sooner.

Use the online debt help tool to get advice now.

The Students’ Guild’s advice team can also help you with financial and budgeting advice.


16 October

Meals for £2 on campus

Did you know, you can get a nutritionally balanced, hot meal for just £2?

Streatham campus:

Breakfast at Comida – grab a facon (vg) or bacon bap with filter coffee or tea for £2, available from 09:00 - 11:30
Super Savour Kitchen - above Comida in Devonshire House, available 11am – 2:30pm, Monday to Friday.

St Luke's campus:

Breakfast at Cross Keys – grab a facon (vg) or bacon bap with filter coffee or tea for £2, available from 08:00 – 10:30.
Cross Keys' £2 Dish of the Day - choose your hearty topping on a baked potato with a salad garnish, available 11:30am - 2:30pm, Monday to Friday.
For the latest food and drink offers on campus follow @eatandshopexeter on Instagram or University of Exeter Eat and Shop on Facebook.

 

Whether you’re just starting out at University or are returning to your studies, we have some tips to help you keep on top of your money. 

1. Consider opening a student bank account.

If you’re getting a maintenance loan you’ll need it to be paid into a bank account. Banks offer a range of different accounts with different benefits and incentives. Find out more about the types of account available at Money Helper or check out Money Saving Expert for their advice on choosing the best account for you.

2. Work out your budget

  • Look at your money and how long it needs to last you. If you’re receiving a maintenance loan it will come in 3 termly instalments.
  • Work out how much you need for all your essential contracted fixed costs, such as rent and your phone bill – make sure you can pay these first.
  • Next how much do you need to live and study – for food, books and transport?
  • Then look at what’s left for other things you want to do, and balance what you can afford.

The Money Helper Budget Planner may help you, or there are other free budgeting tools online. And the Students’ Guild can help you with budgeting advice.

3. Make sure you’re getting all you’re entitled to

Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for extra financial support, bursaries or benefits. For example, if you have caring responsibilities, need help to join a society, or need additional equipment to support your learning, there may be extra money available to you. Find out more in our Success For All Fund FAQs or ask your Students’ Guild Advice Service. 

4. Look out for deals and savings

Lots of places offer student discounts and special deals. Check out Save The Student for the latest deals and freebies out there. Consider shopping together with your housemates so you can make the most of 'Buy One Get One Free' deals and bulk buying economies of scale.

5. Up your income

Consider a part time job if you can fit it around your studies. Career Zone advertise part time jobs that can help you gain experience and earn money while studying. Save The Student has a whole host of other money making tips, from shopping on cashback sites to completing paid surveys.

6. Don’t be tempted to use loan sharks, illegal money lenders, or quick-money schemes that may not be legitimate

If you’re struggling you can apply to our Success for All Fund for help during your time at Exeter. 

7. Deal with your debt

Although it can be stressful, problems with debt only get worse if you ignore them. Talk to your creditors about your situation and try to negotiate an affordable payment plan. If you’re struggling with paying your tuition fees, or the rent on your University accommodation, talk to us. You can contact us through the Student Information Desk (SID).  You can get advice on managing your debt from your Student Union or Student Guild advice service, or from debt organisations such as Step Change or National Debtline.

7. Ask for help

If you’re worried about your money, or dealing with debt, don’t keep it to yourself.  Please speak to your Students’ Guild Advice Service. They can help find the right advice and support for you.  

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