Make your money go further with National Student Money Week 2023

Cost of living drop-in – 2 March 2023, 11am-3pm 

On Thursday 2nd March, come along to the Student Centre to talk to staff from UCL’s Funding Office, Money and Budgeting Advisors from the Students’ Union Advice Service, and Sophie Bimson, UCL’s crime prevention and personal safety officer. They’ll be there from 11am to 3pm, on the mezzanine of the Student Centre to give information and advice. Please do drop by to ask us about all things money-related, including 

• Budgeting and money management 
• Student Finance and UK student loans 
• UCL Undergraduate Bursary 
• Student hardship funds 
• How to avoid scams and what to do if you’ve been scammed 

You can also take part in our Shopping Basket Challenge to be in with a chance of winning a tablet. 

Presentation on money management and budgeting – 2 March 2023, 12.30pm 

Join us at 12.30 on the mezzanine of the Student Centre (the seating area beside the courtyard/Cloisters entrance) for this presentation – you don’t need to sign up to attend, just turn up! Attendees will also be entered into a prize draw to win a tablet. 

If you can’t make any of our in-person events but you’re in need of advice, you are welcome to contact us via askUCL to book an appointment to speak with a Student Funding Advisor. 

Students’ Union support  

We know that being a student in London is becoming more and more challenging, and we're here to help if you have no other way to fund essential living costs. Financial support is available to help with everyday living expenses, to cover the cost of getting involved with activities, and to support with the cost of purchasing gender-affirming products. Financial support is provided by our trained, independent, and impartial advice team. 

Find out about and apply for the Participation Fund and the Gender Expression Fund. Apply for living costs support here. 

Living Costs Support – Need to know: 

• Small grants, of up to £150, of financial support is available within days, transferred directly into your account. 
• You can use this to cover the costs of food, travel, and other expenses i.e utility bills. 
• You don't need to repay this – it is a grant. 
• Your department, tutor, parents etc. won't know you have taken this support unless you choose to tell them. 
• Support of up to £3,000 is available through UCL’s financial assistance fund, although this can take up to five weeks to process. 
• If you need financial support of up to £3,000, but can't wait five weeks, the £150 grant (and other similar grants) can help cover immediate financial pressure. 
• Our trained Money Advisors in our Advice Service can support you through the process of accessing financial support. 

More information and useful links 

Managing your budget as a student 

James Davis, UCL History student, wrote a blog on manging your budget and finances as a student.  

UCL cost of living hub 

The cost of living hub brings together all the latest information, support and guidance available to students affected by the rising cost of living. 

Offers on campus 

The £1.95 Breakfast. Available in George Farha Café, 9:00 – 11:00 The five-item breakfast pot for £1.95 includes Bacon, Sausage, Egg, Hash Brown, and Beans (vegan options available). 

The £2.50 Lunch. Veggie pasta, with garlic bread available in George Farha Café, 12:00 – 14:00 

Free Hot Water. All of our cafes will provide you with hot water, free of charge. That means you can bring your noodle pot, cup-a-soup or even teabag and we'll fill you up. 

Microwaves. If you've bought food to campus (great money saving tip) then you can heat it up in one of the campus microwaves. Find a microwave. 

UCL Careers: Know your payment rights  

Whether you're a student, intern, or worker/employee, if you're in or seeking work, you have the right to fair pay and feel safe. Check UCL Careers payment and safety rights webpage to find out what you're entitled to and how to stay safe from scammers.