缅北禁地

Managing your money as a student can feel challenging at first, but having a budget can help you stay in control of your finances. A budget allows you to plan for essential costs, such as rent and bills, while making sure you have money available for the things you enjoy. Developing good money management habits now can help you throughout your time at university and beyond.

Budgeting Sessions

Our Student Finance Advisers can help you develop budgeting skills and take control of your finances. They can:

• review your current budget and identify ways to improve it
• help you create a realistic long-term budget
• explore any challenges you are experiencing with managing your money
• work with you to create a budget from scratch

If you’d like a one-to-one budgeting session please contact us.

International Students

You can find useful information about money management as an International Student through the .

You may find it convenient to pay your rent, fees and other bills by direct debit. A direct debit allows a company to collect payments from your bank account at agreed intervals, such as monthly or quarterly.

A standing order is similar, but instead of the organisation collecting the payment, you instruct your bank to make regular payments to a person or organisation. Unlike a direct debit, only you can change or cancel a standing order.

Using direct debits and standing orders can help you manage your budget more effectively by ensuring important payments are made on time. They can also make it easier to plan your spending and avoid missed payments.

Student bank accounts are similar to standard current accounts but often include features designed for students, such as interest-free overdrafts and other benefits. Eligibility requirements vary between providers, but you will usually need to be studying on an eligible higher education course and meet the bank's criteria.

Some students may need to provide evidence of their student status when applying for a bank account. International students may be asked to provide a letter of introduction from the University. UK students can usually provide a certificate of registration from the Student Portal as proof of their student status.

For more information on opening a bank account please read our arrival pages.

Overdrafts

An overdraft allows you to spend more money than is available in your account, effectively borrowing money from your bank.

Many student bank accounts offer an agreed overdraft facility, which may be interest-free up to a specified limit. The amount you can borrow and any associated terms will vary between banks, so it is important to check the account conditions carefully before applying.

Shop around

Student bank accounts are a very competitive business. Banks will compete for your business by offering freebies such as a Young Persons Railcard or discount cards. Incentives should not be a priority when choosing a bank account. Most students find the interest-free overdraft facility is more useful.

Things to remember

• Stay within your agreed overdraft limit. Exceeding your authorised overdraft may result in fees, interest charges or other action from your bank.
• Understand the terms and conditions. Check whether interest or charges apply and what happens if you exceed your agreed limit.
• Only borrow what you need. An overdraft is a form of borrowing and will need to be repaid.
• Know when your overdraft terms change. Student overdrafts are often linked to your student status and may be reduced, converted or become chargeable after you graduate.
• Review your account regularly. Keeping track of your balance and spending can help you avoid unexpected charges and stay in control of your finances.

The way in which you manage your overdraft as a student can affect your .

Compare accounts

To find the best bank account for you, take a look at comparison sites:

If you're an international student, you may not be able to open a UK bank account until you have arrived in the UK and registered with the University.

Opening a bank account can take several weeks, so it is important to make sure you have enough money to cover your living costs when you first arrive. You may also wish to explore international banking options available in your home country before travelling to the UK.

To open a UK bank account, you will usually be asked to provide:

• proof of identity, such as your passport
• proof of your UK address
• evidence of your student status from the University
• additional documentation requested by the bank, which may include proof of your overseas address

Requirements vary between banks, so it is worth checking what documentation is needed before applying.

Some students may need to provide supporting documentation when opening a UK bank account. International students may be asked to provide a letter of introduction from the University, while UK students can usually use a certificate of registration from the Student Portal as evidence of their student status.

Shop Around 

Many major UK banks have branches and services available to students in and around 缅北禁地. Account features and eligibility criteria can vary, so it is worth comparing different providers to find the option that best meets your needs.

If you are an international student, check what services are available to you, including international transfers, mobile banking and account fees.  provides useful information about opening and managing a bank account in the UK.

For personal safety, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or keeping significant sums of money in your accommodation whenever possible.

If you're an international student, it's unlikely that you will be able to open a UK bank account before you arrive in the UK and register at the University. It can take several weeks to open an account, so you need to make sure that you have enough money to cover your living costs when you first arrive in the UK. You might be able to open an international account from your home country. If you can, make sure that you will be able to withdraw cash from cash machines in the UK.

To open a UK bank account, you will usually be asked to provide:

• Your passport
• Confirmation of your local address
• An original copy of your letter of acceptance from the University
• Proof of your address in your home country, although not all banks will ask for this

Students who wish to open a UK bank account may need a letter of introduction from the University to give to the bank when they apply to open an account. Normally, only international students will need this letter. If you are a UK student, a certificate of registration, which you can produce from the Student Portal, will normally be sufficient to prove your status as a student. Student Services can help if you cannot obtain what you need from the Student Portal.

Shop Around

Many of the UK major banks have local branches close to the University campus. Most UK banks usually offer a very basic service to international students. Shop around and compare what each bank can offer.  has some useful information about banking in the UK. For reasons of personal safety, you should not carry large sums of money around, or keep large sums of money in your home.

Basic Tips for Managing Your Money

1. Get banking Everyday banking is often free of charge, but be careful with overdraft and credit charges. Services like Wise and Revolut offer cheap international money transfers if you need to transfer money from and to your home country. Contactless payments and Apple Pay/Google Pay are very common in the UK, so don’t feel the need to carry a lot of cash with you.

2. Understanding the currency Being new in the UK, you might find the prices a bit surprising at first. It may take a while for you to get used to prices in a different currency. Budget your money to make sure that you don’t overspend, especially during your first few months in the UK while you get used to the prices and currency. You can also:

   • Track your expenses: Keep a record of what you're spending on things like groceries, transport, and entertainment. This will help you identify areas where you may be spending above your budget.
   • Do some research: Before you head out shopping, take some time to compare prices online or in different shops. This will give you a better idea of what things should cost.
   • Embrace budgeting apps: There are many budgeting apps available that can help you track your spending and set limits for different categories. These tools can be very useful, especially during those first few months when you're still getting used to the prices.

3. Use University resources Don’t rush out and buy all of the textbooks on your reading list. Use the University Library and wait to find out which are core textbooks. Look for second-hand copies online or at bookstores near campus and consider e-book versions, which can often be cheaper than physical copies.

4. Ask about student discounts Get student tickets for buses, trains, and Metro. Spotify, Amazon Prime, and other services offer special student deals. If you’re from outside the EU, be careful with roaming mobile data charges. Even EU providers often have a cap on the amount of data you can use in the UK. Consider getting a UK SIM card with a no-contract plan that includes enough data for your needs.

5. Remember important dates Keep track of when your tuition fees (if you’re self-funded) and accommodation fees are due.

6. Look after yourself It’s common to feel homesick when you first arrive, and being away from home can be stressful, especially if you’re worried about money. Don't hesitate to reach out for support. The Student Health and Wellbeing Team in King's Gate is there to help you navigate any challenges you might face. Our Student Services Team in King’s Gate can help you with any questions you may have about registering with a local doctor (GP). You can also  for important information about accessing healthcare in the UK.

7. Join our online course Join our Canvas course online 'Money Matters: Making the most of your money at uni'. It's a free, no-exams, no-credits course on managing your money well during your time at 缅北禁地. You can .

If you're going on an exchange programme or undertaking a placement overseas, it is worth planning how you will access your money and manage any international banking or currency conversion costs.

Banking arrangements vary between countries. When you arrive, consider:

• asking local students, colleagues or your employer about local banking options
• speaking to students who have previously completed an exchange or placement in the same country

It may take time to open a local bank account, so make sure you have enough money to cover your initial expenses when you arrive.

For security reasons, avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Before you travel, compare the available options for accessing money abroad, such as international bank accounts, debit cards, digital banking services or prepaid travel cards.

Before you leave, check with your UK bank:

• whether you can continue using your UK bank account overseas
• what options are available for sending and receiving money internationally
• what fees or charges may apply when using your account abroad

The website and  have more information about sending money abroad. You might also discuss the best ways of transferring money overseas with your family before you leave the UK, in case you experience financial difficulties and need cash in an emergency.

There are many ways to borrow money, including overdrafts, credit cards, personal loans and other forms of credit. In most cases, you will need to repay the amount borrowed and may also be charged interest or fees.

Before borrowing money, make sure you understand the costs involved and are confident that you can afford the repayments. Borrowing should be considered carefully, particularly if your income is limited.

For more information about different types of credit and borrowing, visit .

If you live in university accommodation, or in private accommodation where everyone in the household is a full-time student, you will normally be exempt from paying council tax. You may need to provide your local authority with evidence of your student status and, where required, evidence that all other residents are also full-time students.

For council tax purposes, a full-time student is generally someone studying on a course that:

• is provided by a recognised educational institution
• lasts at least one academic year
• requires attendance for at least 24 weeks each academic year
• normally involves an average of at least 21 hours a week of study, tuition, work experience or a combination of these activities during term time

If you live with one adult who is not a full-time student, the household may qualify for a 25% council tax discount once your student status has been taken into account.

If you live with two or more adults who are not full-time students, the household will normally be liable for the full council tax charge.

As a full-time student, you are generally not legally liable for council tax, although you may wish to discuss household contributions with the people you live with.

Taking Time Out of Your Studies

If you take time out of your studies for personal reasons, such as illness, you may remain exempt from council tax while you continue to be registered as a student with the University.

If you are studying a course that is classed as a full-time undergraduate programme, but you are completing it on a part-time basis, you may still be eligible for a council tax exemption. Eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances and registration status.

Your  should be able to provide you with advice about your specific circumstances

Full-time students who are fully registered with the University are normally exempt from council tax.

Research students with a different registration status, including those who have submitted their thesis and are under examination, are not automatically entitled to a council tax exemption certificate. Eligibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International students are generally treated in the same way as UK students when determining liability for council tax.

In some circumstances, a student’s partner may also be exempt from council tax. This may apply where:

• they are not a British citizen
• their immigration permission restricts their ability to work or claim public funds
• they meet the council tax exemption criteria set by the local authority

As council tax rules can be complex and depend on individual circumstances, students and their partners should check their eligibility with their local authority or refer to .

If your household is required to pay council tax, household members can decide how the bill will be shared. Full-time students are not normally liable for council tax.

Applying for an Exemption or Discount

If you believe you are entitled to a council tax exemption or discount, you will usually need to provide:

• a student discount or exemption application form for your local authority
• a council tax exemption certificate confirming your student status and course details

Apply online if you live in:

You can print a council tax exemption certificate yourself from . If you are unable to print the certificate yourself, you can Student Data to request one or get one from:

• HaSS and SAgE students: Student Services, 
• Medical students: Medical faculty student office
• Dental students: Dental school office

If your circumstances change, such as moving address, changing your course status or taking time out of study, you should inform your local council as soon as possible. Your council tax account may need to be updated, and if you move home, it may need to be closed and a new account created.

If you pay for NHS prescriptions, you will usually be charged for each prescribed item unless you qualify for an exemption.

If you need regular prescriptions, you may be able to save money with a , which allows you to pay a fixed price for multiple prescriptions over a set period.

NHS dental charges vary depending on the treatment you receive. Different charges apply to urgent treatment and to the various NHS treatment bands.

For the latest information about NHS dental charges and the treatments covered under each band, visit the .

If you need dental treatment, you may be able to register with the University's Dental Hospital. If they are recruiting patients, you may be eligible to receive treatment as part of student training clinics.

You may be eligible to apply for help with the costs of:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
• sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
• travel to receive NHS treatment
• NHS wigs and fabric supports

If you’d like to apply for help, please visit the . Hard copies are also available at:

• Jobcentre Plus offices
• most NHS hospitals
• some doctors, dentists, or opticians

You may need your own TV Licence if you:

• watch or record programmes as they are being shown live on any channel or online service
• watch or download programmes on BBC iPlayer

If you live in halls of residence, check whether your accommodation is covered by a . TVs in communal areas may be covered separately, but you should check your individual circumstances to determine whether you need your own TV Licence.

If you have a joint tenancy agreement for the whole property, a single TV Licence will usually cover everyone living there. This is the most common type of shared house arrangement.

You may need your own TV Licence if your accommodation is self-contained. Accommodation is generally considered self-contained if you have exclusive access to facilities, such as your own entrance or washing facilities.

You will also normally need your own TV Licence if you have a separate tenancy agreement for your room.

Find out more about the .

Your parents' licence will not cover you while you're at university unless you only use a device that's powered solely by its own internal batteries and not connected to the mains.

If you're leaving halls or rented accommodation and moving back home for the summer, you may no longer need your own TV Licence if you are covered by a licence at your home address.

Find out more about .

If you , you can let TV Licensing know by submitting a 'No Licence Needed' declaration. TV Licensing may contact you to confirm your circumstances and may visit your address to verify the declaration.

The Government is responsible for setting the. 

The fee may change from time to time.

If you watch or record live television programmes, or use BBC iPlayer without a valid TV Licence when one is required, you may be committing an offence and could face enforcement action, including prosecution and a fine.