Supporting students with the cost of living
Access the University of Plymouth's support for students experiencing rising costs

Financial Support Fund
This fund provides discretionary financial assistance to help students in significant hardship access and remain in higher education.
Bursaries
A variety of bursaries and funds are available to students experiencing financial difficulties, either directly through the University of Plymouth or our partner organisations (if for partner institution or UPIC students).
Student finance
The University offers advice on applying for a student loan and other forms of funding. Check how much a course will cost and secure the means to pay the fees.
Advice and guidance on money and budgeting
The Student Funding Team offer practical help with all aspects of money management, including fees and funding, student loans, day-to-day budgeting, debt, income and banking. Students can find out about the support for which they may be eligible and how to apply for it.
Help and advice from the Students' Union
FAQs and support on budgeting, benefits, Student Finance England, discounts, shopping and travel.
Student discounts
The University of Plymouth Students' Union offers advice on making the most out of the discounts available to students through rewards and loyalty cards.
Cost of living support in Plymouth
Connect to local services designed to support individuals with the rising cost of living and issues related to it.
Plymouth City Council support
Information on help with Council Tax, housing costs and support with food costs, as well as how to contact voluntary organisations working across the city
MoneySavingExpert: 50+ tips on how to stretch your student loan
A checklist compiling some of the most effective measures of minimising costs and making use of the offers available to students.
Careers Service
The Careers Service offers a wide range of support for students looking to make a strong start in their careers. The Careers team are here to help students secure part-time work that fits around their studies and find routes into full-time work, including self-employment, freelancing, graduate jobs and business ownership.
Part-time jobs
View vacancies for paid roles that can be arranged around full-time study, apply for a position as a Student Ambassador or enrol on an internship, all through the support of dedicated Careers teams.
Free-to-use microwaves
Students can heat food for free using the microwaves in the Students' Union and Charles Seale-Hayne Library.
Water bottle refills
Refill points around campus ensure there is no need to spend money on water.
Order discounted surplus food
Reserve discounted surplus food from the campus cafes and around town using the Too Good to Go app.
Campus cafes
A variety of good value healthy and filling meals and snacks can be purchased at the cafes on campus. Customers who bring a reusable cup receive a discount on drinks. Our cafes run a number of special offers.
Bus discounts
Students can apply for a range of bus discounts for travelling around the city. The Students' Union also offers help with applying for discounted bus passes.
Railcards
Students can apply for a Railcard to save at least 1/3 on train fares throughout Great Britain.
Cycling to campus
The University supports active travel by providing free and secure cycle stands and showering facilities. Plymouth City Council also provides a range of cycling offers, including free bike loans, maintenance courses and training.
Car sharing
Through Carshare Devon, the University provides a trusted and closed lift share group that comprises only staff and students. It's easy to use: register as a user, mark University of Plymouth as your employer, and then register journeys within the staff and student community to find a lift share.
Laptop and equipment loans
Students can borrow a laptop and other equipment from the library.
Discounted laptops
The Student Store offers laptops to students at reduced prices.
Free software
Download essential software (such as Microsoft Office 365) for free from the Study at Home resource centre.
University-managed accommodation
The University has a range of Halls of Residence to suit different budgets.
Student Hub, Charles Seale-Hayne Library, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
Advisers are available Monday to Thursday 8:30–17:00, Friday 9:30–16:30