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Accommodation must haves

Tue 11 July 2023 - 13:34

By Swansea University in Accommodation

Moving to university is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel like you need to pack up your whole life. However, remember that you don’t need to bring every single item you own!

Most of you will be sharing accommodation, so you should discuss with your flat mates what to bring before you arrive – often there will be ways to get in touch with them before you start uni, so check your university’s website or social media pages. Also, if you’re staying in halls, make sure you find out what’s already provided, such as kettles/toasters.

As long as you start with the basics, you can’t go wrong. Read our handy checklist with our must haves.

Things you could share:
  • cling-film
  • tin foil
  • bin bags
  • washing up liquid and sponge
  • tea towel...

How students can save money

Thu 17 October 2019 - 12:18

By Swansea University in Money

Managing your money at university can be a challenge, and often students will face unexpected costs that they may not be used to when living at home. We’ve written a guide of typical things that students spend money on, and how you could potentially save some cash.
 
  • Accommodation
    • Share your accommodation – not only will you split the cost of rent/bills, you can also share household items, such as kitchen utensils.
  • Groceries (food/drink/toiletries)
    • Plan your meals, and make shopping lists! This will prevent you buying things unnecessarily, making meal times a lot easier. Shopping online can be a good way to avoid extra spending and being tempted by those discount stickers!
  • ...

Making a student loan go further

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:27

By Swansea University in Money

We all know university is a big financial investment, and money often plays a part when deciding whether or not to continue into higher education.

Not only is it important to apply for student finance and find out what loans you’re entitled to, but you should also check what scholarships and bursaries may be available through your university – these often include academic/sporting/music scholarships, income-related bursaries, and...

Managing money at university tips from the University of Reading

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:27

By University of Reading in Money

There are many aspects to managing money at university, but here are three tips that spring to mind!
 
Make a budget
 
Creating and sticking to a budget is hard work, and can be quite a learning curve. However, I found it to be the best method to help me stay on top of my finances. Expenses can quickly add up, so keeping to a budget helps you from overspending on things you don’t really need.
 
Part-time work
 
An extra source of income can never hurt, especially at university, where social events are so common...

Managing money at uni tips from the University of Nottingham

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:27

By University of Nottingham in Money

Students: people who are notoriously bad with money, spending it all on nights out and takeaways, with no regard for the essentials like rent, bills, and ACTUAL food.

I’m a third year music student at the University of Nottingham, and I must admit that even I have fallen into believing this stereotype. Whilst I have friends that seem to struggle a little with budgeting, I also know many students that are smashing it. Here are my top five tips on how to manage your money well at uni (and still have room for that legendary Chinese takeaway down the road).

1. Work out the essentials
Sit down with a pen and paper, and write down everything you MUST pay each month. Things like rent, bills, phone contracts, subscriptions – all the things that will be coming out of your bank account each month that could easily go unnoticed if you’re not aware of them. So, work out how much money you have coming in each...

Working for a successful student journey for disabled students

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:48

By National Association of Disability Practitioners in Support

• Do you have any needs that make studying more difficult for you?

• Have you had some extra assistance in school?

• Not had help at school, but feel you may need it studying at a higher level away from home?

What can I do to help myself now?

Telephone, email, or visit the disability support office for your college or university.

You may never have heard about NADP, the National Association of Disability Practitioners – in fact, doing a Google Search for NADP brings up a host of interesting options such as a complex biochemical protein, the National Anti-Doping Panel, Novel and Dangerous Pathogens, and something to do with teeth! But we are actually a professional organisation, with members working with disabled students across post-16 education....

Five apps for surviving freshers’ week

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:10

By Ability Net in First year

September is coming and we all know what that means – the famously frantic freshers’ weeks are upon us! It might be your first time away from home or perhaps you’re just concerned about getting organised, or how you’re going to afford the weekly food bill.

Every year, AbilityNet helps thousands of students with a range of disabilities to get the most from their time at university, and we know that preparation is key. That’s why we’ve put together a list of apps that we think might help you prepare for the start of term…

1. Organisation – ‘Swipes’ –...

Ben Fogle: Haven't got the grades you hoped for? Be positive!

Thu 21 March 2019 - 14:55

By Ben Fogle in UCAS advice

I will never forget the day I finished my final A level exam. FREEDOM. The summer that followed was one of the happiest times of my life. No worries. No revision. No pressure. But all good things come to an end, and before the summer was up it was results day. I still get just a little bit sick thinking about it. It was many years ago now but in many ways, it feels like yesterday. It's like a slow-motion rollercoaster. There is nothing you can do to alter or change those results.
 
So much pressure is placed on those few results. I can remember thinking that my whole life could be made or broken by them. University and thence my career both relied on them. I remember opening the envelope. Heart pounding as my eyes settled on the marks. I could see a D and an N. N...

How can we help you? AbilityNet student services

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:29

By Ability Net in Support

Are you a student with a disability or impairment? Or a parent? Or someone working with disabled students in higher education? Would you like specialist advice and expert information on how best to support your/their studies? AbilityNet can help.

AbilityNet helps people of any age and with any disability to use technology, to achieve their goals at home, at work, and in education. We provide specialist advice services, and publish free information resources on our website.

We also raise awareness of...

Additional support and financial help for disabled students

Tue 20 June 2023 - 14:41

By AbilityNet in Support

University is a time of independence, new experiences, and new challenges. It’s exciting, but for some these new challenges may be on top of challenges faced every day, challenges that place additional burden that might affect your ability to study.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to study, such as a learning difference like dyslexia or ADHD, you may be eligible for additional support with your studies. This support might be equipment, human support or may be financial help with the additional costs associated with your disability.

This blog will help you understand some of the support options available to you.

Financial support

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a UK Government grant which provides personalised support to disabled students in Higher Education. This is funding you don’t have to pay back and can include specialised hardware or software, or support from specialist staff, to make your learning activities as...

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