Supporting students with the cost of living

Access the University of Plymouth's support for students experiencing rising costs
Careers Hub
Plymouth's affordable cost of living makes it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy city, coast and countryside on a budget. Plymouth is consistently shown to be one of the least expensive student cities and was recently ranked the seventh cheapest place for students to live in the UK.* 
While accommodation is likely to be students’ main expense, opting for University-managed halls of residence can help streamline costs, as our accommodation fees include contents insurance, utility bills and internet connection, with the Student Village located only a few minutes’ walk from University facilities and the city centre. There are many choices and an option for every budget. 
In addition to providing advice and guidance on budgeting, the University has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students manage their costs. To speak to one of our team, contact us at studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk.
* Research conducted by Superprof in 2022 analysed the weekly cost of rent, food, travel and nights out in UK cities. 
 

Access support

Financial support and money

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.

Jobs and work opportunities

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.

Jobs for international students
Students joining us from overseas are usually free to work to support their studies, although there may be restrictions on the amount and type of work permitted. The International Student Advice team is available to explain the options open to international students and help them secure safe and fairly paid jobs.
Health and wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Services
A multi-disciplinary team comprising Mental Health, Counselling, and Pastoral and Spiritual Support offering one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions, workshops and groups, and self-help materials.
Free health and fitness activities
The Give it a Go programme offers a weekly timetable of low-level activities to all students and staff of the University of Plymouth. All activities have equipment provided and are either free or low-cost. 
Student prices and offers at the gym
The SU Gym offers low student pricing and a cooling-off period for subscriptions (new members receive a refund if they change their mind). Annual members gain access to over 100 gyms across the country in the BUCS UNIversal Gym network. The University is also partnered with Plymouth Life Centre, where students benefit from free swimming and reduced cost climbing sessions. 
Free menstrual products
Organic, sustainable menstrual products are available for all across campus. 
Free toiletries
Students can collect free basic toiletries from the Hive in the Students' Union.
Free showering facilities
Students can make use of showers located across campus.
Food and drink

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.

Bills and utilities
Study spaces
The University has many heated study spaces where students can charge their mobiles and laptops and access eduroam WiFi for free.
Travel

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 loans, software and equipment

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.

Accommodation

University-managed accommodation
The University has a range of Halls of Residence to suit different budgets.

The Students' Union Advice Centre supports students with a wide range of accommodation issues, contracts, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, inventories, bills, council tax, gas safety and moving out. Contact the Students' Union Advice team for free, independent and confidential advice.
 

Our services

7. When you need a change of scene, there’s a wide choice of study environments throughout the library.