National Student Money Week 2025 – Survive and Thrive

The risk of not budgeting

It is important to plan ahead with your finances to make sure you can stay on top of your spending.

There are a range of different tools that can support you in budgeting and managing your finances - so you can see what you are spending and where, estimate your costs, and see what money is left over to save or spend. Check out the Money Helper Beginners Guide to Managing Money or Money Saving Expert's How to Budget.

And remember you can also speak to the Student Support Advisers who can help you create a budget plan to keep you on track.

The risk of debt

Getting in debt can negatively impact your credit score and ability to get a loan in the future as well as cause anxiety and affect your mental wellbeing.

If you are struggling with finances, the most important thing is to reach out and get advice. Talk to our Student Support Advisers who can help you explore your options, see whether you are entitled to support from our hardship fund, and provide guidance on managing any debt you may have already incurred.

And don’t forget to visit our Cost of Living Hub for ideas on how to save and make money.

Housing risk

Renting privately can seem a bit daunting, but there are lots of ways you can protect yourself and your money by avoiding the pressure to pay money too quickly or take a property without seeing it. It’s important to understand what you’re paying for and what is refundable and non-refundable. Always read your tenancy agreement carefully before signing - it’s there to protect both you and the landlord.

Look out for rental fraud which happens when would-be tenants are tricked into paying an upfront fee to rent a property when in reality, the property does not exist, has already been rented out, or has been rented to multiple victims at the same time. Fraudsters know how tough it can be to find affordable housing as a student so can often become a target of such scams.

Risk of scams or fraud

Unfortunately, fraudsters often target students - so it is good to remain aware, know how to spot the signs of a scam and understand what you can do to protect yourself.

Keep a look out for phishing emails/text used by criminals to trick you into giving away personal information. These can take many different forms and will often be designed to look like they’ve come from an official source, such as PayPal, your bank, Student Finance, HM Revenue and Customs, or even the University.

Make sure you don’t become a money mule. Many criminals target their recruitment of money mules at universities either online, in person, or via friends and family. Always remember that if you aren’t sure about the source of the money, it could have come from criminal activity, and you could unwittingly be laundering money and end up with a criminal conviction.

Being worried that you might have been scammed or becoming a victim of fraudsters can be very stressful. If you have any concerns do not hesitate to contact our Student Support Advisers who can help you report the situation, protect yourself, and signpost you to a range of emotional support.

Risk-taking behaviour

University can be a time for trying new things or pushing limits but sometimes this can spill over into behaviour that puts individuals at risk. The temptation to take part in harmful activities can come from being away from friends and family, peer pressure of new friendships, loneliness, stress etc. So, taking time to be aware and understand the risks of things like gambling, investing in cryptocurrency, or not protecting your valuables, are all important parts of managing your financial wellbeing. 

Gambling and Gaming 

Gambling and gaming are more similar than you might think - they are often seen as a fun and relaxing way to unwind, but you should take time to think about what’s really going on.

The reality is that they both offer a distraction from academic or financial stress by playing into aspirations of wealth or offer a chance to have some fun, but this can become addictive without you realising. You might end up spending a lot more money than intended on in-game purchases or loot boxes for example.

These forms of distraction can decrease your focus on your studies, impact your emotional wellbeing, and negatively effect your finances. If you need advice about any of the above then our Student Support Advisers are here to help.