Cost of living support for students

The current cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, with increases in utility bills, food prices and transport costs.

We're very concerned about the impact of money worries on our students and postgraduate researchers. We've created this hub to bring together all the support we offer in one place.

We're continuing to look for more ways to provide cost of living support to students - for example with household bills, food bills, on-campus employment opportunities and more. We'll regularly update this hub with help and support as we can make it available.

Please contact us if you need help

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable at times, and it is sometimes hard to know who to talk to.

The most important thing to know is that you can, and should, reach out if you need help.

Our Student Support and Advice Team can provide information, advice and guidance. The specialist trained advisers can direct you to student discounts and funds you may be eligible for. They will help you manage your budget, give debt advice and help with housing concerns.

Support is available to all students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and postgraduate researchers, regardless of your status. Whether you are an international student, a mature student, a student living at home, or on a distance learning programme, you can contact the Support and Advice Team.

It's always better to ask for help before you are in crisis, help is free and confidential. You can refer yourself to the Student Support and Advice Team by completing their self-referral form.

Get support and advice

Ways we can help you

Financial support for existing students

The University of York offers a wide range of financial support, some of which has eligibility criteria. You may find it helpful to speak to one of our friendly Student Support and Advice Team, who will talk you through all your options.

Student Support Fund

If you are experiencing financial difficulty due to an unforeseen change in circumstances, you may be eligible for this fund.

Emergency loans

A short-term loan to help you with temporary funding issues. Use it to pay for food, utility bills, or travel to your site of study (including placements).

Benefits and tax credits

If you're ordinarily resident in the UK you may be able to claim some benefits. Our Student Support and Advice Team can advise on whether you're receiving everything you're entitled to.

Digital Hardship Support

We're offering additional support for students facing financial difficulties due to digital technology related costs. This can include loan of equipment or replacement items, repair costs and some specialist software. Access to this support is via the University Student Support Fund application process.

Food vouchers

In some circumstances students most in need can get food vouchers through our Student Support and Advice Team. Get in touch via the Student Support and Advice self-referral form.

Free food events

Throughout the semester, our colleges are organising free food events. Check our student events page or your college's social media channels for details.

York SU Activities Access Grants

Eligible students can apply for a reimbursement to cover the cost of joining and participating in student groups.

Free period products

Available across campus in a University of York Students' Union and University jointly-funded scheme. Colleges also provide period products to their members (whether living on campus or not).

Free work wardrobe

Our Work Wardrobe provides free of charge clothing to students who need a professional outfit for work or interviews. Choose from items donated by York Cares partners.

Free non-food items

The University of York Students' Union's Student Pantry provides free non-food items such as cleaning products, baby formula and stationery.

We are also committed to supporting your accommodation needs, and understand the challenges that you face. To address these issues, we are working closely with the city and have appointed an additional Housing Adviser in the Student Hub who specialises in housing matters. We are discussing the housing market in York at the highest level at the University with our Residential Accommodation Strategy (RAS) 2022-2027.

Read the ways we are supporting your accommodation needs

Financial support for prospective students

A bursary is extra financial help given by the University to students. You may be eligible if you meet specific criteria related to your personal circumstances.

Scholarships are financial awards given to students following a competitive application process. They can also be awarded based on outstanding academic achievements or extra-curricular activities.

Find out more about bursaries and scholarships

Bursaries

There are a range available at York, including for caregivers, estranged students and those doing foundation years.

Scholarships

Find out about the available scholarships, including eligibility criteria and opening dates.

The Scholarship Hub

Search the hub to see if you are eligible for any national scholarships.

Help managing your money

Managing your money effectively is really important during a cost of living crisis. You’re no doubt aware of some ways to save money and budget but top up your knowledge with our information on:

budgeting and living costs
possible sources of funding
ways to save money
dealing with debt

Managing your money

Budgeting for the costs of everyday life

Having a clear budget can help to make your money go further.

Remember that living costs will vary significantly depending on your lifestyle.

Our guides to living costs give a rough idea of your weekly spending if you live in either University accommodation or private-rented accommodation.

Guide to living costs for undergraduate students

Guide to living costs for postgraduate students

Develop financial knowledge

We’ve also partnered with Blackbullion, who offer specialised support to students in all areas of financial education. Develop financial confidence, knowledge and skills with their wide range of resources. It’s quick, simple and free to sign up.

Sign up for Blackbullion

Employment support

Part-time work can be a good way for students to earn extra income, while also providing a chance to learn new skills and meet new people.

Students at York can work up to 20 hours per week during semester time (though international students may have restrictions on their visa).

Our Careers and Placements team can help you to find employment opportunities.

Current students can use Handshake to find part-time work.

Working while you study

Wellbeing support

Money worries can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing.

If you are finding things difficult, as well as contacting our Support and Advice Team for practical help, you can also access our range of wellbeing support.

Health and wellbeing help and support

Students' Union support

University of York Students' Union have listed resources that may be useful to help you understand how the cost of living crisis may affect you. They have also compiled some handy tips to help you make your budget go further.

York SU cost of living resources