Managing your Money and Budgeting Advice

Knowing where your money is going is the first step to financial freedom. We encourage all our students to start with a simple budget plan – tracking your income and outgoings to make informed choices. You can also access powerful, student-friendly tools including:

• Blackbullion – a free financial wellbeing platform exclusively for Northumbria students, with budgeting tools, video lessons, and a personalised budget calculator.
• UCAS Budget Calculator – ideal for UK students to help plan spending.
• British Council Cost of Living and Studying in the UK Guide – information for international students managing UK costs.
• Save the Student – top tips, deals, and financial advice.

During your time at Northumbria, support is available to help you find practical ways to boost your income and cut costs.

Our specialist advisers can support you with:

• Budget planning and financial wellbeing
• Welfare benefits guidance
• Council Tax support
• Emergency financial difficulties

You can also access debt advice and support, along with guidance on managing your finances and links to a range of helpful resources. 

If you’re experiencing serious financial hardship – such as rent arrears or food insecurity – don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you with any concern you may have.

Northumbria offers a variety of free on-campus facilities to help support your budget during your time here:

• 24/7 study spaces equipped with Wi-Fi, perfect for both solo work and group projects

• Microwave and hot water stations available across campus

• Device charging stations for laptops, mobiles, and tablets throughout the campus

• Affordable meals and special offers at our cafes and food outlets

• Free access to the Number One Bus connecting the City and Coach Lane campuses

• The Northumbria Students' Union Student Food Pantry – stocked daily with essentials like cereal, pasta, milk and hot drinks

• Low-cost or free sports and fitness activities via Northumbria Sport – including Just Play sessions for all abilities

Looking to earn whilst you learn? Our careers and employment team can help you find flexible, part-time, and temporary roles that work around your studies.

Whether it’s retail, hospitality, customer service or something closer to your course – every job adds value to your CV and helps you grow skills like communication, teamwork, and reliability. We’ll help you access:

• On-campus job listings
• Volunteering opportunities
• Career fairs and employability support

Find out more about what careers and employability support is on offer whilst you study by visiting: northumbria.ac.uk/careers

Current Students can find out more by accessing the Careers and Employment section of Ask4Help Online on their Student Portal.

Financial stress shouldn’t get in the way of your studies or your wellbeing. That’s why we offer specialist support for students dealing with anxiety, mental health concerns, or academic pressures related to money.

You’ll have access to:

• The Employability Learning Fund – financial support to gain new skills and opportunities, helping you to progress in your future career.
• Confidential help via Ask4Help, the first point of contact for all student support enquiries.
• Online and in-person mental health and wellbeing support.

Our specialist teams are here to support you every step of the way.

Prospective students can submit a question via our enquiry form

Current students can log an enquiry via Ask4Help Online on the Student Portal