National Student Money Week

National Student Money Week 

National Student Money Week is taking place from the 27 February to the 3 March 2023. This week is all about helping you to improve your financial wellbeing, and finding out how to access the financial support and advice that is available to you from the University of Reading. 

National Student Money Week is organised by the National Association of Student Money Advisors and the financial education platform, Blackbuilion. This year the Student Financial Support team will be hosting events across campus throughout the week, so make sure to come along and to pick up some free goodies (and for a chance to win some amazing prizes!). 

Navigating the numbers: Coping with the Cost of Living 

The theme for this year's National Student Money Week is 'Navigate the numbers: Coping with the Cost of Living'. We will be highlighting this important topic by bringing you a week of themed events, access to support and information, relevant funding and the opportunity to win a variety of useful prizes to help you through the term.

This week on Student Life Channels we will be highlighting resources and sharing advice and helpful tips for budgeting, saving money on food and drink, making the most of your student discount, tips for staying sustainable and saving money, and more. Make sure to also check out the Cost of Living pages on Essentials for advice on supporting yourself and making the most of your money.   

What’s going on?

All these events are free to attend, and no need to sign up - just drop in, say hello, and pick up some free goodies and money saving tips! 

Prizes to be won! 

Across the week they'll be lots of great prizes to be won. Visit the financial support team's drop-in events across the week for a chance to win yourself an air fryer. 

If you take part in the monopoly competition on Wednesday 1 March then you'll be in with a chance of winning a  £50 coop voucher. 

Never fear, if you are not able attend the in-person event then you can still enter Blackbullion's competition online: 

3 students win free rent for a whole month!  As part of National Student Money week Blackbullion will be running a competition giving three students the opportunity for a rent free month!  To enter the competition login or create an account to Blackbullion, and create a snapshot of your financial life using their brand-new ‘Spending snapshot’ tool. As well as entering the prize draw, you’ll also get a real insight into your financial situation and have a great starting point from which to improve your finances. The competition is open until 10 March.   Blackbullion offers numerous educational courses to help you better handle your finances while at University, and as a University of Reading student this service is free to you! Set up your account today to access their online courses and tools. Enter now

10 lots of £1000 to be won!  Exclusively for University of Reading students, the Brighter Futures Grants have been created to support our students through their university experience. There are 10 grants each with a value of £1000. Use them towards accommodation or bills to help with the cost of living, or spend them on a new laptop or printer to get you ready for exam season.    All University of Reading students are eligible to apply.  Apply before 30th April for your chance to win.  Check out the Santander Brighter Futures Grant page on Essentials for more information, and to apply.

Money management advice available to you 

The University’s Student Financial Support Team 

Offers free support for all your financial needs. Check out the Money Matters page advice and support, and for resources on smart financial planning. 

Email studentfunding@reading.ac.uk or phone 0118 378 5555 (09:30 - 17:00). Book an appointment. 

Reading Students' Union Money Advice 

Reading Students' Union Specialist Money Advisors are trained and experienced in offering free, confidential, independent advice and information on all money related matters.

If you'd like support from a member of Reading Students' Union Money Advice team, please complete the contact form. Come to a drop-in with Reading Students' Union Advice Service, either online: or in-person in the Reading Students' Union building on Wednesday afternoons between 1pm and 4pm

Blackbullion

If you haven’t used Blackbullion yet, we encourage all students to access this amazing digital financial tool. Set yourself up for the best possible position, no matter your background, with access to university funds, scholarships, and bursaries. 

Blackbullion find out more and login

Get Started with the Money Ready Course
 

Bursaries, Awards and specialist funding

If you are struggling with money and need extra help the University has a number of financial support schemes available to you. Check out our blog 'Four ways you can access financial support' to find the right one for you.  

Find out about the extra financial support you could receive in the form of Bursaries and Awards. 

Applications are now open for the Student Support Fund

The Student Support Fund is a range of different pots of money set aside to assist students who are experiencing unexpected financial difficulty. The Student Support Fund can only be used to help with living costs and are provided by the University based on an assessment of need.

When applications re-open in October, you can apply via the RISIS portal.

See further details and eligibility on the fund below and please read the Guidance Notes and instructions for applying before you start.