Cost of Living

Living with inflation and the rising cost of living

For months now, there has been an abundance of news about the continued rise in inflation, interest rates and the cost-of-living. It may appear that there is little that can be done about this on an individual level, but there are many opportunities to reduce cost and consumption and take advantage of student funding, offers and discounts to make considerable financial savings.

Here we have highlighted the most relevant support and practical suggestions for making your money go further.

What support is available?

SUPPORT AVAILABLE	HOW TO ACCESS IT
Student Support Fund: designed to help alleviate unexpected financial hardship that may affect your ability to study or support yourself. Awards from the Support Fund an be used towards unexpected living costs of £1,500 - £3,000 depending on your circumstances.	Applications for the Support Fund will re-open on 24 October 2022. Find out more and apply
Clever Cuisine Eating Plans : free meal plans if you have financial hardship or specific support needs that provides access to home-cooked meals including the University's all-you-can eat locations.	Enquiries for specific discounts to meal plans can be made to studentfunding@reading.ac.uk. Students can also be referred via the Welfare team, RUSU Advice specialists and the Chaplaincy
Essentials Cupboard: set up and designed to give in the moment support and can provide three to four days’ worth of essential items including food with recipe ideas, household items and personal care.	Enquiries for access to the Essentials Cupboard to be made via studentfunding@reading.ac.uk or book an appointment to talk with one of our advisers.
Digital Supermarket Vouchers: We have a limited number of £50 supermarket vouchers available if you are struggling to pay for essential items and feed yourself.	Enquiries for access to the Essentials Cupboard to be made via studentfunding@reading.ac.uk or book an appointment to talk with one of our advisers

How is the University keeping costs down on campus?

Continuing to make campus more affordable by freezing costs and making it possible for students to make savings.

University accommodation costs are set a year in advance and include all utility bills and council tax as well as some insurance.
Clever Cuisine Meal Plans are open to all students in the University and there are a variety of plans including partially catered options covering various options from three meal swipes and five hot drinks each week which can be used at any time to three meals a day (21 meal swipes per week). A number of locations such as Eat at the Square operate all you can eat, offering great value for money for a varied meal.
All Meal Plans include free hot drinks saving students even more and can be used outside of meal times.
Cafes on campus will no longer charge for milk alternatives when you purchase a hot drink, smoothie, or milkshake. Available milk alternatives include Oat, Soya, Coconut, Lactose Free
SportsPark offers a variety of membership options. The VO2 membership of £20.50 per month includes unlimited gym and classes. Membership is via flexible direct debit payment scheme that you can cancel anytime you like.

Average living costs for students in Reading

The below cost-of-living figures are put together by the Student Financial Support team using the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA) Higher Education Support Fund Guidance by region, it incorporates living cost ‘trigger figures’ used in the Standard Financial Statement and using localised information specific to Reading.

This offers a guide for the cost of living and studying during 2022/23

Expense	£ per week
Accommodation	169.00
Food and household bills	50.00
Mobile phone and Internet connectivity	8.00
Travel	15.00
Books and Stationary	13.00
Entertainment	32.00
Clothing and personal care	18.00
Total	305.00

Further Information, advice and support

Keep yourself informed and up to date with the latest financial landscape, help others and gain access to money saving tips, discounts and offers.

Blackbullion is available to all current students providing online advice and support on money related matters.
The Student Financial Support team are here to help with your financial questions, whether its regarding your tuition fee or maintenance loan, Bursaries and Awards or advice on how we can support you if you are experiencing unexpected financial difficulties.
RUSU Money Advice Service all students have access to RUSU's free Specialist Money Advisors, trained and experienced in offering confidential, independent advice and information on all money related matters.
Turn2Us simplify grants, support and funding for students.
Money Advice Trust's offer a range of support and advice including debt management.
The Money Charity highlight savings opportunities for students.
National Debtline 0808 808 4000 offer support and ways to avoid slipping into debt.
StepChange Charity: 0800 138 1111 offer free debt hep and advice.
Citizens Advice Bureau: 0808 223 1133 offer specific advice on managing the cost of living crisis.
Save the Student pulls together the top offers from discounts sites available to UK students.

Further savings

Suggestions for reducing costs, consumption and making savvy savings in all aspects of your daily life.

Energy consumption

For those in a position to change energy providers, it's not a great time, but that doesn’t mean small changes can't make a big difference to your pocket.

Reducing your energy use is good for your bank balance and the planet.

The Energy Saving Trust have great advice on energy efficiency when renting a home.

NUS Student Switch Off+ offer advice on energy charges and ways to reduce your energy use.

Money Saving Expert has a site dedicated to ways to cut the cost of your energy bills and consumption.

Food & Drink

Having a meal plan for the food outlets on campus can be a great way to keep track of your food spending, reduce the cost of individual meals and help reduce your food waste. Check out The Beginners Guide to Meal Planning and The Best Way to Use a Weekend for Meal Planning Success.

Taking stock of your cupboards, fridge and freezer before writing a shopping list. Planning meals ahead can help a little go further.

Schedule time for shopping. Rushing around the supermarket (or quickly doing an online shop) can lead to random items in the basket. The Money Helper service found that people who shop while tired spend an extra £14.53 each time.

If you are looking for bargains, go early opening or shop late in the day before closing when items are often reduced for last minute sale.

Check out the Save the Students guide to saving money while grocery shopping.

Too Good To Go Scheme: Our Catering teams aim to avoid food waste but where this is unavoidable, they offer customers the chance to purchase a “Magic Bag” for £3.39. This bag will contain approx. £10 worth of food items which are still in date but that would have gone to waste unless purchased on that day, before the end of business. Join Our Food Waste Movement | Too Good To Go

Health & Wellbeing

Travel & Transport

Public transport is by far the cheapest way to travel and as a student you can apply for a range of Student Bus Tickets depending on your travel needs. If you are travelling by train then you can apply for a Student Railcard for 1/3 off rail fares throughout Great Britain.

The University has lots of offers for students to help you chose alternative and more sustainable modes of transport.

Contact the Student Financial Support Team