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National Student Money Week

National Student Money Week

23 February to the 27 February 2026

It's National Student Money week!

While the national week is in March, the university will kicking off the week from Monday 23 February to 27 February. This year's focus is all about being Future Ready so we'll be sharing money advice, budgeting tips, gambling help and more.  

University Finance Help

Managing your finances as a student can be challenging, but our university offers a range of support to help ease the burden. Whether you need practical advice, financial assistance, or guidance on budgeting, here’s how you can access help:

Bursaries, Awards & Additional Funding - Did you know that the University provides bursaries, awards, and extra funding. These can provide crucial support to help cover essential expenses. Make sure to check your eligibility and apply early.

Finance Team Support  - Need one-on-one advice? The Finance Team is available for virtual and face-to-face appointments on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10:00 - 12:30. Whether you need help with budgeting, financial planning, or funding applications, they’re here to support you. Book an appointment.

Other ways to get support

In addition to university resources, there are other places to turn for financial and wellbeing support:

  • Students’ Union (SU) Support – The SU is separate from the university and provides independent advice on financial concerns. They are here to represent and support you.

  • Mind: Money & Mental Health – Struggling with the stress of finances? Mind’s guide explores the connection between money and mental health, with practical tips to manage both.

  • Citizens Advice – For independent advice on managing debt, budgeting, and financial rights, visit Citizens Advice.

 

Looking for a part-time job?

People often say that the best way to save more money is to earn more money - and if you're looking for work alongside your studies, the university has resources to help:

Campus Jobs - The university offers a range of part-time roles on campus, providing flexible work that fits around your studies.

University Career Services - Get expert advice on job hunting, CV writing, and interview preparation to boost your chances of finding the right role. You can also book a 1-1 appointment if you think you could benefit from personalised support.

Students’ perspective on money

Who better to share money-saving advice than students themselves? These blogs, written by fellow students, offer real-life tips on managing finances at university:

  • Making Your Money Last

  • Helpful Tips on Saving Money on Food and Drink

  • Top Tips for Saving Money as a Student

  • Money Tips from Students to Students

 

Gambling help

With easy 24/7 access to online gambling it can become addictive. If it’s affecting your money, mood, or university life, you’re not in this alone. 

The Primary Care Gambling Service is a national service working in partnership with third sector organisations to provide integrated support services to anyone experiencing gambling harms. All of their services are free and confidential. 

If you find that you are sending more than you meant to, chasing losses, feeling stressed about checking apps, or you’re hiding gambling from friends and family, the Primary Care Gambling Service can help you. Your University of Reading Welfare Team also offers confidential, judgement-free help. 

Reaching out is a simple way to look after yourself.

Additional Resources

  • BlackBullion - Blackbullion offers courses and advice to help you understand and better manage your finances while at University.

 

Win big this semester

Blackbullion

Blackbullion Future Ready Fun

As part of National Student Money Week, Blackbullion will award two students £500 each to create engaging, relevant content focused on student money. The £500 award includes paid work experience with Blackbullion.

Requirements

Each student will work to create student money content. This may include:

  • Written content (blogs, guides, explainers)
  • Campaign or content ideas
  • Social or digital content concepts
  • Lived-experience insights on managing money as a student

Who can apply Applicants must:

  • Be studying at a UK higher education institution
  • Be an undergraduate or postgraduate student
  • Have an interest in student money, communication, or content creation
  • Be available to complete agreed tasks during Spring 2026 No prior professional experience is required.

The fund opens on 2nd March 2026 at 9am and closes on - Sunday 15th March at 11:59pm


Your views. Your NSS.

National Student Survey (NSS) Prizes

The National Student Survey (NSS) invites all final-year undergraduates in the UK to share their views on the quality of their course.

Complete the survey by 30 April 2026 to be entered in the prize draw:

• First prize is a pair of BEATS In-Ear Headphones
• Second prize is a University of Reading hoodie plus a £50 Love2Shop e-gift card
• Eight runners up will win a £50 Love2Shop e-gift card.

The prize draw winners will be chosen at random and contacted by Friday 8 May.


Santander Career Support Awards 2026

The Santander Career Support Fund offers 60 awards of £250 to University of Reading undergraduate and postgraduate students (full-time or part-time). The funding is designed to help students take part in career-boosting opportunities by covering costs such as travel, professional clothing, or related fees for interviews, internships, placements, volunteering, networking events, and employability activities.

Applications open 23 February 2026 and close 7 May 2026 via the Santander Open Academy website. Students apply online and, if successful, receive funds shortly after winners are announced on 21 May.

To get involved, students need to submit an online application explaining how they would use the award to support an eligible activity taking place during the 2025/26 academic year.


National Student Money Week

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National Student Money Week

23 to 27 February 2026. Join us for a week of events, competitions, and money advice.

More money advice and support

Budgeting Techniques

50/30/20 Rule: Allocate 50% of your take-home income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayments. The percentages can be adjusted to fit your personal situation.

Zero-Based Budgeting: This method gives every pound of income a 'job' until take-come income, minus expenses (including savings and debt repayments) equal zero. It ensures no money is unaccounted for.

The Envelope System: This visual method involves putting physical catch (or using digital banking 'pots') into labelled envelopes for different spending categories such as food, transports, entertainment etc. Once cash is in an envelope it's gone, you can't spend an more in that category for the month.

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