Starting university can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to managing your own money. Don’t worry – we're here to help you through your journey, offering support to navigate your finances.
You'll find that there's a wealth of support available for students at Brunel. Our student support team can guide you with a budgeting plan as well as any other money concerns you may have throughout your time here. They can also advise on accessing financial support tailored to your circumstances.
Budgeting basics
When planning your budget, start by writing down where your money comes from and list what you need to spend it on. Creating a budget plan will give you an understanding of your financial situation. It can help you better control your expenses and avoid overspending. You can also save for emergencies or long-term plans like buying a new laptop or travelling. This will reduce your stress, knowing your money is set aside for what you need and want most.
It's always a good idea to take stock of your income sources, typically include:
- Student loans
- Scholarships, grants and bursaries
- Part-time student jobs
- Support from parents and family
- Savings you've set aside for your studies
Then, subtract essential expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (campus accommodation fees or rent and utility bills for private accommodation or shared housing)
- Textbooks and study materials you want to buy
- Food and groceries
- Personal items like mobile phones, clothing, toiletries and essentials
- Bank account service fees
- Travel costs if you're commuting
Now, you should be able to see what’s left over for any other expenses:
- Social and leisure activities, going out with friends, or joining sports clubs and student societies
- Eating out and takeaways
- Purchasing or upgrading laptops, and/ or other devices
- Gym membership
- Trips or vacations during breaks from university
- Savings and emergency funds
Income sources and living costs are different for everyone and you may need to amend the list to suit your needs. As a Brunel student, you'll have access to an advanced version of Blackbullion, an app and website tailored to improve your financial skills and knowledge.
More about student finance
Student finance options vary depending on the level of degree you study - whether it's undergraduate or postgraduate - as well as your nationality. UK, EU, and international students may have different opportunities available to them. UK students typically have access to government loans and grants to cover tuition fees and living expenses, but there are also scholarships, bursaries, and other funding available. EU and international students often have fewer government-funded options and may rely more on scholarships, sponsorships, or personal funding.
More about scholarships, bursaries, fee discounts
At Brunel, every year we offer hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and fee discounts based on a wide range of criteria. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, talent, or achievement in specific areas, celebrating your hard work and accomplishments. Bursaries are awarded based on your family or other personal circumstances. Fee discounts are available to all students who meet certain criteria, such as having a Brunelian already in your family.
Our Widening Access team supports students from underrepresented backgrounds and helps them access the support they need to succeed.
There are also scholarships offered independently to Brunel by foundations, companies, government organisations, and more, which you can explore.
More about student jobs
Student jobs can provide you with an extra source of income, allowing you to become more financially independent. They also offer work experience that can improve your future career prospects and opportunities to network with professionals in various industries. You can earn extra cash by becoming a student ambassador or finding a part-time job on or off campus through our JobShop, an integral part of our student career services.
More abour campus accommodation and commuting
Both living in campus halls and commuting offer advantages, and the decision ultimately depends on your preferences and circumstances.
If you’re considering living on campus, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer guaranteed on-campus accommodation in your first year. Your campus halls fees include Wi-Fi and computer network access, utilities (water, gas, electricity), bedding and basic insurance. We offer various types of rooms up to one-bedroom flats, with prices tailored to different budgets and preferences. If you're unable to travel for any reason during the Christmas and Easter breaks, know that our student halls remain open, so you always have a comfy spot to call home.
If you're considering your options, commuting could be also a solution. Our campus is easily accessible from London and the South East, offering a variety of ways to get here. Whether by public transport or car, you'll find commuting options that suit your budget. Plus, you can take advantage of student discounts available on travel and other essentials.
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Student discounts
Student discounts help you save money and make your budget last longer. Take advantage of discounts on clothing, food, household items, which can save you money on everyday expenses. With these discounts, you can afford things that might have been too expensive before, like a new laptop or a weekend getaway, all within your budget. By using them wisely, you can stretch your budget further and allocate funds to other priorities.
You can get a TOTUM card card through our students' union. Additionally, you might want to explore other popular student discount sites like Uni Days, Student Beans, Student Discount, or Student Money Saver.
If ordering online is more cost-effective for you, we have three Amazon lockers on campus where you can pick up your packages. For those living on campus, you can collect your deliveries 24/7 from a space called ParcelHub - our facilities team will email you specifically when you have something to pick up from there.
Consider exploring offline options as well. You might find some extra deals using supermarket apps, for example, a Tesco or Lidl app can offer you cheaper prices or vouchers. The nearest Lidl is within walking distance from the university. Moreover, Costcutter, our on-campus grocery store, and Brunel Uni Food (which oversees all the food and drink places at Brunel) regularly run promotions where you can find good deals.
Be sure to keep an eye out for dedicated student discounts offered by local shops and restaurants in and around Uxbridge. Many of them offer special promotions for students, allowing you to enjoy discounts on meals, products, and services.
If you're a full-time student and live at home or rent, you may also qualify for a council tax discount.
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Money saving tips
As a Brunel student, you'll have access to a range of free or discounted resources to help you manage your budget and simplify your life as a student.
Borrow books or access eBooks, eJournals directly from our Library so you don't have to buy them. As a Brunel student, you’ll have free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering a wide range of short courses on-demand. Once you start your studies, you'll receive access to our suite of online learning tools. You'll also have access to our student software collection, with some accessible to all students and others contingent on your course. These resources can be accessed either on campus or through the Horizon remote desktop service. If you temporarily don't have a laptop, you can borrow one from us while obtaining yours, the standard loan period is 3 months.
Explore affordable on-campus options to stay active. The Brunel Gym provides both off-peak and peak student memberships. Additionally, the students' union Active@Brunel programme offers non-competitive team sports and classes where you can participate in unlimited sessions for a small annual fee. By joining our Brunel Moves app, you'll earn rewards for your physical activity, including free hot drinks, nightlife tickets, clothing, and more.
If English is not your first language, our language centre provides free English language support to Brunel students. From academic writing to understanding fast speech or improving pronunciation, the services are tailored to meet your language needs.
Always wanted to learn a new language? Our student career development centre offers free courses in British Sign Language, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish.
Engaging in the arts can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Whether your interests lie in creative writing, singing, acting, music, oil painting, drawing, or pottery, through Brunel Arts, you'll have access to affordable weekly classes, events, concerts, and productions to enjoy throughout the year.
Sign up for Brunel Bikes, Santander's affordable and sustainable cycle scheme, and rent a bike on campus. With six docking stations located across Uxbridge town center, Brunel, and Hillingdon Hospital, getting around has never been more convenient. Whether for travel or exercise, Brunel Bikes offer a convenient way to move around.
In addition to the big things, we also take care of the smaller details. You'll find water fountains across the campus to refill your bottles easily. Moreover, free period products are available for all on campus.
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In case of an emergency
Unexpected situations can occur despite the best planning. In such instances, Brunel students can reach out to our student support team or the student union's money advice service. They can provide guidance on available financial assistance both within and outside the university.
In the event of an unforeseen change in a Brunel student's financial circumstances impacting their studies, students can apply for the university's Financial Hardship Fund. Additionally, students can apply for a small amount of emergency loan to help alleviate immediate financial pressures.
Remember, managing your finances effectively is all about planning ahead and making informed choices. By implementing these tips, you can navigate your living costs while enjoying your university experience to the fullest.
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