Money Timeline: Before you start university
A timeline to help you plan how much coming to university might cost and any funding you could receive, as well as tips on how to manage your money.
Overview
If you’re thinking about applying to university, it’s a good idea to understand how much it will cost and how much money you’ll need during your studies.
Our timeline pinpoints key times for you to think about your income and outgoing expenses, such as tuition fees, scholarships, living costs, accommodation etc, and when the deadlines are.
The timeline starts in September, a year before you would start university.
September
Check if you’re eligible for any funding
Check if there are any loans, bursaries and scholarships you might be eligible for to help fund your studies and/or living expenses.
For more information on what we offer, visit the relevant page below:
October
Figure out how much going to university will cost
Find out how much your tuition fees will be, and consider other living costs, such as accommodation.
Our Money Planner can help you figure out what other expenses you might have whilst at university.
Figure out how much money you’ll get
If you’re a home fee-paying student, you may be entitled to a student loan.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to help you figure out how much money you could get towards your study and living costs. This will estimate your student loan and bursary (if eligible for either) and also suggest any scholarships that you may be able to apply for.
November
Start saving
Now that you know what your estimated income and outgoings are, you can consider your budget more carefully and start planning ahead.
Even if it’s only £20 per month, putting a little bit aside each month will give you more money to spend during your studies.
January
UCAS deadline (undergraduate)
Once the UCAS deadline has passed for the majority of undergraduate courses, it's time to start thinking about getting your funding sorted.
If you’re a home fee-paying undergraduate student, check the government website for the most recent updates.
February
Scholarship deadlines approaching
We offer a variety of scholarships. Remember to make a note of any deadlines so you don't miss your chance to apply.
Our Student Funding Calculator will help you figure out what you can apply for.
Apply for funding (undergraduate)
If you’re eligible, applications for student finance for full-time undergraduate students usually open at the end of February or beginning of March.
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, you can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance as part of your application.
If you have any adults or children who are financially dependent on you, you may be eligible for additional support. You can apply for these as part of your student finance application. Find out more on the following web pages:
Remember to give consent to share your information with us as part of your application so we can assess you under the University of Sheffield Bursary Scheme. As long as you do that, you don't need to do anything else to be assessed for the University's bursary when you start your course.
March
Apply for accommodation
Accommodation will be one of your biggest costs at university. Make sure you know how much your accommodation will cost and that you can afford it.
You may also need to pay a deposit by the summer to secure your room.
May
Consider a summer job
If you want to increase the amount of money you have for when you start university, consider whether you have time to do some paid work over the summer.
Deadline to apply for funding (undergraduate)
If you’re a home fee-paying undergraduate student, you'll need to submit your student loan application before the end of May if you want to guarantee all of your funding is in place for the start of term in September.
Don't panic if you don't get it submitted in time. You'll still be assessed for your funding and the University of Sheffield Bursary Scheme, but it may be slightly delayed.
Apply for funding (postgraduate)
If you’re eligible, applications for student finance for full-time postgraduate students usually open around May.
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, you can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance as part of your application.
Remember to do this as soon as possible.
June
Create a budget
Now it's getting closer to the start of term, it's time to revisit and update your budget.
Our Money Planner can help you to work out the best way to organise your finances. Don't forget to plan for things like sports and societies costs and insurance.
July
Pay accommodation deposit
When you've accepted your accommodation contract, you'll need to pay your deposit. This is held in case you’re responsible for any damage or cleaning issues.
August
Choose a bank account
There are lots of student bank accounts to choose from so it’s worth having a look at opening a new account if you haven’t already - make sure you choose the one that suits you best.
Money Saving Expert produces a guide each summer to help you compare what's available.
If you do open a new bank account, remember to update your student finance application so your loan gets paid into the right account.
If you haven’t already, sign up for internet banking too so it's easier to keep an eye on your finances by signing in online or using an app.
If you’re an international student, the page below explains how to open a UK bank account:
How to open a UK bank account (student login required)
Results day
If you change your course or university through clearing after you receive your results, make sure you update your student finance account.
Look for a part-time job
If you want to increase the amount of money you have to spend, you might want to consider getting a part-time job.
Review your CV and start looking for opportunities. Once you’re a student with us, our Careers and Employability Hub can help as you search for a job, including access to Career Connect, our internal University jobs board.
Get contents insurance
It’s really important that you get contents insurance to protect your personal possessions. Shop around and compare the best deals.
Money Supermarket is a good place to start.
Review your student finance application
It's worth having a quick check of your student finance application to make sure everything is up to date so that your funds are paid on time.
Key things to check are:
- your contact information
- the course you're studying; and
- bank account details.
It’s also important to check you've sent all of the required evidence and, if applicable, that your parent/s or partner have too.
September
Take a final look at your budget
Make sure you've got your budget in place for the start of term. Our Money Planner will help you plan your finances and highlight any potential shortfalls.
Intro week
Your maintenance loan will be paid into your bank account a couple of days after you register, so make sure you have some money set aside for your first couple of days.
Once you’re at university, there are still key dates and money management tips that may be useful for you, such as when you’ll receive funding, and paying council tax and utilities. See our timeline for while you’re at university.