Help and advice
Useful resources
Listen to Career Zone's podcast for advice and tips on finding a part time job.
Cost of living
Advice and support to help you manage your money
Information for students at the Cornwall Campuses
We know you may be feeling anxious about the 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 your Students' Union representatives.
Get top tips and advice from fellow students, in our Budgeting and Finance students' blog.
This National Student Money Week (Monday 2 – Friday 6 March) get future ready, and build the money skills you need for success.
Financial wellbeing skills last a lifetime - whether that is planning ahead, prioritising or being scam aware, we have support and advice to help you develop the skills that will support you into your future. Explore these pages and the Students’ Union website for loads of advice and tips.
Budgeting basics
Budgeting involves looking at how much money you have, how much you need to spend and how long it needs to last you, so you can work out what you can spend each week. Save the Student’s How to Budget at Uni page includes loads of really helpful resources, including a student budgeting spreadsheet, smart budgeting apps and great advice on how to make your money stretch further.
You can also get budgeting help and advice from your Students’ Union Advice Service.
Plan your meals and save
Planning and preparing your meals in advance can save you loads on takeaways and buying out. You can buy in bulk to benefit from the best price deals, cook in batches and save yourself time as well as money down the line.
If that sounds like a bit of a chore, Save The Student has done all the work and created a weekly meal plan of cheap, healthy and easy recipes, complete with shopping lists and cooking instructions.
Remember, you can bring your meals from home and use our microwaves and hot water facilities on campus to enjoy a hot meal for less.
On Penryn Campus there are hot and cold water facilities in Penryn Library, opposite the student helpdesk, and microwaves upstairs in The Stannary and at the Postgraduate Suite. The Knowledge Spa in Truro has a kitchen for you to use, in the Common Room area.
And drop by the Community Pantries in the Truro Common Room kitchen, and outside The SU at Penryn, to help yourself to food essentials.
Or you can also grab a healthy and nutritious lunch for just £2 in The Stannary, by choosing the Vegan hotpot or other low-cost options.
Don't get caught out - be aware of scams
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing with their scams to try and steal your money.
Read Save the Student’s common student money scams to avoid, to help keep your hard-earned cash safe.
If you believe you have been involved in a scam, immediately inform the Police by calling 101.
You should also report the incident to Action Fraud and your bank if money is involved.
Tips to avoid fraud, tricks and scams:
- Don’t give your bank account details to anyone unless you know and trust them – your bank will never ask you to send your details in an email or a text message.
- Be very cautious of unsolicited offers of easy money. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Be careful of people asking you to buy vouchers on their behalf, or to pay with gift cards - this isn't something University staff or your employers would do.
- If you receive an email, always check the sender address, not just the displayed name, and look out for messages that don't come from official accounts. Your lecturers will contact you from @exeter.ac.uk email accounts.
- Be wary of emails or ads that are written in poor English, with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
- If you’re contacted by someone and it seems unusual, unexpected or just odd, please end the call/communication. Don't pay any money or click any links. If the person who contacted you is genuine they won’t mind you checking and then getting back to them.
See more advice on being alert to scams and fraud.
Dealing with debt
Debt is money that you’ve borrowed and expect to pay back. It can be useful, but borrowing more than you can afford or falling behind on payments can lead to problems and stress.
Read Save the Student’s Guide to Managing Debt at University to help you understand what debt might look like, how to profit from it and when to avoid it.
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. We work with the UK debt advice charity, Step Change, to provide you with free, impartial and personalised support with your money and debt worries.
Contact Step Change for free, impartial and personalised support with your money and debt worries.
- Online: use the Money Health Check for free, tailored support and guidance.
- By phone: call 0800 138 1111. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00-20:00, and Saturdays 8:00 to 16:00. Please use their budget form before calling.
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, transport and equipment?
- 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’ Union 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’ Union 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. Follow them on Instagram @uoecornwallcareerzone for the latest vacancies.
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 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’ Union Advice Service. They can help find the right advice and support for you.
