Managing Your Money
1. Money Planner
The University has an on-line money planner which will help you manage your money and gives you a guide to the costs you´ll face when you come to University. It will also help with information on money matters and tips on how best to make your money last.
When drawing up your budget, the following should be included where applicable.
a. Income
- Maintenance Loan (home students)
- Maintenance Grant (home students)
- University Bursaries
- Money from parents/guardians/relatives
- Income from Part-Time Work
- Welfare Benefits/Tax Credits
- Special Support Grant
- Sponsorship/Scholarship, loan, grant
b. Expenses
- Tuition Fees
- Rent/Mortgage
- Utility Bills (electricity, gas, etc.)
- Food
- Insurance
- Travel (public transport, car costs, etc.)
- Toiletries
- Telephone(s) – line rental, call charges
- Clothing
- Study Expenses (books, photocopying, printing etc.)
- Laundry
- Prescriptions
- Entertainment
- Emergencies
2. Further Guidance
To make the most of your time at university it is important to manage your money carefully.
a. The Student Advice Centre produces Money Handbooks to plan outgoings of students. All publications are on the Student Advice Centre website at
b. Tips for saving money
- Many students are eligible for help with health costs e.g. prescriptions, sight tests etc. You will need to complete the HC1 form to apply for help with these costs. The form is available from the Student Advice Centre.
- Many shops and services offer a 10% student discount.
- You don’t have to buy all your text books brand new. Second hand copies are often available from book fairs in the Union or Charity shops (e.g. Oxfam in Broomhill or on West Street or Age Concern in Broomhill).
- You can buy student tickets for public transport in Sheffield. There is also a young person’s Railcard that many students will be eligible for. This can save you money.
- If you have been working in the UK before coming to University you may be able to claim an income tax refund – the Student Advice Centre can advise on this.
- You need to go out and enjoy yourself as well as studying. Make allowances in your budget for this to avoid overspending.
- Full-time students (except for those on short courses) do not have to pay council tax. SSiD can provide you with an exemption certificate.
- Information on deals and money saving tips can be found at websites like
and for international students