Money Advice

Money dangers – beware of phishing!

It’s not long now till you get your next payment of student funding – which is something to smile about. However, did you know that more and more students are being targeted by fraudsters through phishing scams? Students are more likely to be contacted just before their funding is due to be paid. But there’s no need to panic – instead keep reading for more information on phishing and how you can protect yourself online.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

How to have a thrifty Christmas!

Money Matters

Christmas is in the air! There are adverts everywhere for perfume, toys and lots more, with sales galore. Although you’d be forgiven if you started hitting the shops (both physical and online) with gusto, it is possible to enjoy Christmas without spending all your money. How? Read our guide to find out:

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By Victoria Bull, ago

Money dangers – good and bad credit

As a student, you might be offered opportunities to borrow money – this is known as credit. Access to credit can be both positive and negative. Although it’s advisable to try to live within your means whenever possible, sometimes emergencies happen and in these circumstances, credit will be very helpful. Applying for credit can also help improve your credit rating in the future. However, you must remember that credit is not ‘free money’ – it always needs to be paid back – and if you splurge on credit, it can end up costing you a huge amount in interest and charges.

Here are some common credit options – some are okay (providing you don’t go overboard with your spending), and some are best avoided.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

Money at the beginning of term – FAQs

At the start of term, we receive many queries relating to student finance and funding, including what to do about late loans or when Halls rent is due. Here is a list of the most typical questions – with answers – to help you while you study with us.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

How to spend a student loan (part 2)

Our How to spend a student loan- part 1 post looked at typical costs of rent and utility bills; in ‘part 2’ we’ll now consider course costs, mobile phones/ broadband, and travel.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

How to spend a student loan (part 1)

After you’ve applied for your funding, you can now think about how you’ll spend your money when you get to university. Whether it’s the first time you’ve had to manage your finances or you’re swapping a salary for a student loan, if you start to look at and prepare for potential costs early, it will be easier to create a budget – allowing more time and energy to enjoy your new life at university.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

Are you ready for Summer?

Summer is finally here! The days are getting warmer and longer, and it’s not long now until the end of the academic year. You might have sorted out your summer plans already, but just in case you’ve been too distracted by assignments, revising, and sunny afternoons, here are some points you should consider:

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By Victoria Bull, ago

How to increase your income

Whether you’re revising your budget or feeling a little short, it is always worth investigating ways to increase your income. All it takes is some time and effort and you could be quid’s in.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

Prospective students – How can I fund my course?

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If you’re thinking of starting a university course in September, now’s the time to start looking into and applying for your funding: as well as tuition fees, you will also need money for your general living and course costs e.g. food, travel, books, socialising, etc.

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By Victoria Bull, ago

Money dangers – The lure of contactless

Money dangers 4 resize

Paying using a contactless card is so easy: as no PIN is needed, you just waive or tap your card or your phone when you get to the check-out and you’re done. If you regularly pay this way, you are not alone – it is reported that one-in-five card payments are now contactless. Shops, pubs and cafes love this as it speeds up the queues. So why can this be considered as a ‘money danger’? (more…)

By Victoria Bull, ago