10 money tips for starting uni or college

With the cost of everything from a flat white to fruit and veg at an all-time high, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there are things you can do to feel more in control of the situation. Here are 10 practical steps that can help.

Additional funding

As well as a student loan, there’s other financial support available from a range of sources. Find out more about funding your undergraduate course.

Admissions tests

Some universities require you to sit an admissions test as part of the application process – discover the different types of assessment here.

Career goals: Mechanical design engineer

Design engineer Adam chose to take an apprenticeship over university. Here he explains his role, how he juggled work with studying and why he's glad he took the apprenticeship path.

Chloe's story

From being estranged from her family and homeless at 16, to studying at the University of Oxford, Chloe shares her advice for estranged students considering applying to university.

Finance for independent students

If you're applying as an independent student, here's what you'll need to do to apply for student finance. Content provided by Student Finance England.

Funding

Find additional financial support for travel, meals and accommodation costs, course equipment, and childcare from one of these schemes.

Get your finances uni-ready

It’s almost time to go to university, but it’s super important to get your finances in order first. Tick these off your list before you start uni and you’ll be well on your way to being in control of your own money.

HE provider good practice briefing for estranged students

This good practice briefing is written for staff working in universities and colleges and supports the introduction of the new flag to identify estranged students in the UCAS application for 2023 entry. We have worked with Stand Alone to outline the common challenges for these students, share examples of good practice being done around the UK to improve access to and success in higher education, and provide considerations ahead of the new question.