Finance

Your student funding will depend on where you normally live, your course and your personal circumstances. Use the relevant funding provider below to find information about applications, payments and eligibility.

• Student Finance England (SFE)
• Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
• Student Finance Wales (SFW)
• Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI)

Students on some healthcare and social work courses may also be eligible for additional support.

• NHS Social Work bursaries
• NHS Learning Support Fund

BNU financial support, bursaries and scholarships

If you are struggling financially, you may be able to apply to the University for additional financial support.

Before applying for a BNU fund, you will normally need to have applied for all student funding, benefits and grants that you are eligible to receive.

If you would like to discuss available funding or need help understanding the application process, email suadvice@bnu.ac.uk.

Student bank accounts

It is worth reviewing your bank account while you are studying to make sure it still offers good value. You may be eligible for a student bank account, which could offer benefits such as an interest-free overdraft or other incentives.

Compare the full terms of an account rather than choosing it only because of an introductory offer. Check any overdraft limits, charges and repayment conditions.

You can speak to your current bank or read the MoneyHelper guide to student and graduate bank accounts.

Budgeting your money

A budget helps you compare the money you have coming in with the amount you are spending. Student budgeting can be difficult because income such as maintenance funding is often paid termly, while rent, food and other costs must be managed throughout the year.

When planning your budget, include regular costs such as rent, food, travel, bills and course expenses, as well as occasional costs that may arise later in the year.

If you want to plan your finances over a longer period, The Bucks Money Forecaster can help you review your expected income and spending across 12 months. This may help you identify periods when your income will be lower or your expenses are likely to increase.

For a shorter-term overview, the MoneyHelper budget planner can help you compare your income and expenditure over a period that suits you.

If you are looking for somewhere to live, either by yourself or with other people, it is important to consider the full cost of the property rather than the advertised rent alone.

Your housing budget may need to include:

• rent
• tenancy deposits
• electricity, gas and water
• internet and television costs
• travel to campus or placements
• food and household essentials
• any costs that are not included in the tenancy agreement.

The Cost of Rent Calculator can help you estimate the full cost of a property and compare different options.

You can use the spreadsheet electronically or print the worksheet and take it with you when viewing properties.

Make sure you understand which bills are included before agreeing to rent a property. If you will be sharing, discuss how bills and other household costs will be divided.

The following resources provide additional information about managing money and improving your income while studying.

• Read our student budget guide
• Read The Student Money Manual
• Visit the BNU Careers and Employability Service

The Careers and Employability Service may be able to help you explore part-time work, improve your applications and plan your career.

If money problems are affecting your ability to pay for essentials, continue your studies or manage your wellbeing, contact the Advice Centre as early as possible at suadvice@bnu.ac.uk