Advice from our community

To help you start thinking about financial wellbeing our Student Support Advisers have pulled together a list of ideas, along with other members of the CCCU community, that you can try this week.

Here are some initial questions you can ask yourself...

• Do you need it or just want it?
• Check your subscriptions! Do you still need/ use them?
• Look at your virtual world spending – is it reality?

And when it comes to shopping...

• Get, borrow or lend using Olio.
• Use supermarket loyalty cards/apps.
• Use UNiDAYS to get discounts on products & services.
• Do unbranded shopping/charity shops.

Other ways to ways to look after your financial wellbeing...

• Download UPay - the Catering Departments’ loyalty App, for discounts and offers. Plus, if you enable notifications, you will be notified when free food is available at one of the campus outlets.
• Batch cook - so you can freeze portions for future meals. Plus, don't forget you can bring leftovers to reheat for lunch with the Heat and Eat spaces across campus. Here you can find microwaves and hot water dispensers.
• Make a budget plan - 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. You can also speak to the Student Support Advisers who can help you create your first budget plan.
• Look out for free events - the University has a range of free events happening throughout the week, and beyond, to help you spend time with friends over a free hot drink or activity. Here are some highlights for your diary, but for the full listing head over to our student events page. 
• Cancel your magazine subscriptions - and get them for free through Libby instead! It doesn’t matter what you’re interested in; sports, movies, video games, technology, cookery, music, art, fashion, travel, history, photography, or gardening we’ve got something for everyone….
• Eat well for less on campus - make the most of the bargain 5 item breakfast for £2.20 or the Helping Hand Menu for a nutritious meal for under £3.
• Check out cheaper travel options - make the most of public transport deals, such as railcards and bus discounts. 
• Earn points to claim prizes through the University's Moves App - whether you’re walking to a lecture, taking your bike out for a ride, having quick swim, or going for a run - you can earn points through Christ Church Moves. And, these points earn you prizes!

Finally, get talking...

• Share something that has helped you improve your financial wellbeing with a friend.
• Speak to the Student Money Adviser - you can join Kerry, the Student Money Adviser, at the Wellbeing Café on Thursday from 2pm-4:30pm, where you can enjoy a free hot drink and biscuit while playing a board game that helps encourage conversations about money management.

 

We're here for you

If you need some guidance, or experience any issues with finances or living costs, our Student Support Advisers can offer information and support on a range of areas including bursaries and scholarships, hardship funding, budgeting and money management, and ideas for saving. 

Getting financial information and guidance can help put you on the right track and give you peace of mind - so get in touch with our friendly advisers or come for a chat at one of our face-to-face or virtual drop-ins.