Cost of Living Hub
Are you feeling the pressure of cost of living at the moment? You're not alone. Students all over the country are feeling it too. ​Here are our top tips and resources to help you through.
Budgeting.
First things, first - learning to budget. It may seem obvious, but budgeting can go a long way - and it's not easy with large, irregular student finance instalments and lots of new bills coming in.
The Hartpury studentfinance team are available to support you in setting up your own budgeting plan (email: studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk). You can also find some useful budget planners online. We like this one HERE from Martin Lewis The Money Saving Expert.
Financial Support
Hartpury have a range of bursaries and scholarships for students who need support - find out more on the main Hartpury website. The Hartpury student finance team are available to support you in setting up your own budgeting plan and answer any questions on student finance (email: studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk).Check out a guidance video on the Hartpury socials here.
Save Money on Food
The SU Loft kitchen has two microwaves and a kettle so you can heat up your own food whilst on site. There's also free tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and toast (and sometimes extra goodies) available on a first come, first serve basis.
Check out these low cost, student-friendly recipes in our recipe book!​ You can also download Apps such as 'Too Good To Go' and 'Olio' to find low cost food.
​Finally, use your Hartpury student card points - every time you upload money onto your card you collect UPAY points and can use these to buy food on campus.
SU Events
Get involved in our money-saving events, such as our regular discounted clothing pop-ups, with companies such as Goose & Gander and Whale of Time, and our student savings event (in October) with discounted clothing, recruitment agencies, student finance team stand, careers team stand, and energy tips from externals such as Severn Trent Water.
Swap Old Clothes and Books
We've set up a swap shop in the SU Loft to support you in exchanging items for free. If you have something of good condition to donate, please get in touch. Feel free to take any of the stationary, books or clothing items on display.
We get a range of items in - including academic and non academic books, as well as Hartpury branded clothes, course related clothing (e.g. lab coats), interview attire and casual wear.
Cut Transport Costs
Shuttle bus tickets are cheapest when bought in bulk - if you know you'll be using the bus often, it is worth considering the annual pass - BUT be aware that you are entering into yearly contract so this is not a suitable option if you plan to use an alternative method of transport for the second semester.
Car sharing is a great way to save money and improve your sustainability. Reach out to course mates/ housemates to ask about sharing. It is a good idea to sort out petrol money from the start so it's fair for everyone!
Council Tax
Save money straight away! Full time students aren't required to pay Council Tax. Access the 'tax exemption form' from your MyHartpury account: MyHartpury > Document request. It will be sent to your Hartpury email address automatically. You then send this to your landlord (check with them) or to the local council to let them know.
Free Books and Resources
Hartpury provide free access to a range of online and physical books and journals to support your learning - you don't need to purchase textbooks for your course.
Finding a Job
Many students are finding part-time employment to support them financially.
We've put together some guidance to support you in finding a job. Access the guidance here.
Low Cost Entertainment
Having little money doesn't mean you can't do things! Here's some ideas for low cost activities you can do alone or with friends...
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Free SU events - join one of our many free events - find out more.
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Movie nights - you can book out the SU Loft (email us)
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Board games - there's lots of free games available in the SU Loft
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Photography walks - we have a stunning campus!!
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Play an instrument - you can book the SU piano for free
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Picnics
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Walking & Hiking trails
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SU Clubs & Societies - take a look here
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Volunteer - gain skills, have fun and give back to the community
Many of you contributed to our 'Top Tips from Students' Padlet - take a look at your peers suggestions here!
Still feeling stuck?
If you need help, we're here to listen. We can support you in getting the help you need. ​​​​​​​