Money Matters

Ways to boost your income

Check you're receiving the correct statutory funding

Depending on your circumstances you could be eligible to apply for a number of government grants or allowances which do not need to be repaid. You could also be eligible for certain benefits. 

As an undergraduate UK student you will also be eligible to apply for student loans from the government to cover your tuition fees and living costs.

More about funding for students

Get a part-time job

Part-time jobs are a great way to boost your income. Most students need a part-time job to help supplement their income. Most jobs will give you valuable work experience and you might get a job that relates to your study.

How to find a job

Start with the university's Vacancy and Event Database.  It is a database advertising local job opportunities. The vacancies are suitable for students who wish to work around their studies. Register with the Vacancy and Events Service

You can also speak to a university careers adviser, or find other sources of job vacancies and get advice from the Careers Service on finding a part-time job.

Check you're paying the correct tax

Make sure you're not paying too much tax on your earnings.

If you have a job you’ll be required to pay income tax and national insurance. The amount you pay depends on how much you earn and your tax status. Everyone can earn a certain amount of income each year which they do not have to pay tax on.

The Low Income Tax Reform Group has some very useful advice and information specifically directed at students, or, you can find out more about tax and national insurance visit the HMRC's Tax Matters website.

Apply for a scholarship

There are a number of university scholarships available to students.

You can also find other scholarships by searching Hotcourses scholarship search.

Apply for a grant 

There are many weird and wonderful grants available which are provided by charitable trusts and foundations. These are often one-off payments awarded to individuals who fulfil very unique, specific criteria. You can search for such grants at:

Apply for a studentship

If you are looking specifically for postgraduate funding opportunities, this site has a range of funds at all postgraduate levels

FindAMasters.com & FindAPhD.com are offering £9,000 of Postgraduate Scholarships for both Masters and PhD students for 2013 entry. Registration is NOW OPEN to students from all over the world intending to study at any university in the EU. 

See the Careers Service content on Funding Further Study

Sell your unwanted goods

If you have unwanted course books, advertise them on Community on Studentcentral or on notice boards. If you have other items you no longer use, try selling them on Gumtree or eBay, but do this safely. Make sure you understand buyer and seller protection.

Need a part-time job?

Register on the university's Vacancy and Events Service or come in and speak to one of our career advisers.