National Student Money Week

National Student Money Week 

National Student Money Week is taking place from the 4 March to the 8 March 2024. This week is all about helping you to improve your financial wellbeing, and finding out how to access the financial support and advice that is available to you from the University of Reading. 

National Student Money Week is organised by the National Association of Student Money Advisors and the financial education platform, Blackbuilion. This year the Student Financial Support team will be hosting events across campus throughout the week, so make sure to come along and to pick up some free goodies (and for a chance to win some amazing prizes!). 

Less Risk, More Reward: Maintaining your Financial Wellbeing at University

The theme for this year's National Student Money Week is 'Less Risk, More Reward: Maintaining your Financial Wellbeing at University'.

Risk refers to uncertainty or variability of returns on something. So it's key to managing those complex, but potentially rewarding financial decisions. If you'd like to learn more about risk, you can complete the new Risk pathways training provided by Blackbullion. If you complete the training between the 4-15 March you will also be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a £500 emergency fund.

All University of Reading students have access to a free Blackbullion account, so once you're registered for your account make sure to also make the most of the free resources and training they have available to help you stay financially healthy at University. 

National Student Money Week Events

We are bringing you a week of themed events, access to support and information, and the opportunity to win a variety of useful prizes to help you through the term. Check out the full calendar of events taking place from the 4 -8 March: 

All these events are free to attend, and no need to sign up - just drop in, say hello, and pick up some free goodies and money saving tips! 

Throughout the week on the Student Life Channels we'll also be sharing resources and advice on budgeting, building emergency savings, recognising scams, as well as helpful tips on maintaining your financial wellbeing. Make sure to also check out the Cost of Living pages on Essentials for advice on supporting yourself and check out our bitesize guide on making the most of your money at University. 

Prizes to be won! 

Across the week they'll be lots of great prizes to be won. Visit the financial support team's drop-in events across the week for a chance to win... . 

Never fear, if you are not able attend the in-person events there are some online competitions being held in partnership with the University of Reading that you can take part in: 

Want to win £500?  As part of National Student Money week Blackbullion will be running a competition giving three students the opportunity to win £500 to kickstart your emergency savings pot! To enter the competition you'll need to login or sign up to Blackbullion website and complete the new Risk pathways training to earn the 'NSMW 2024' badge. Once you've earned the badge, you'll automatically be entered into the draw. There's nothing else you need to do!  Blackbullion offers numerous educational courses to help you better handle your finances while at University, and as a University of Reading student this service is free to you! Set up your account today to access their online courses and tools.

10 lots of £1000 to be won!  Exclusively for University of Reading students, the Brighter Futures Grants have been created to support our students through their university experience. There are 10 grants each with a value of £1000. Use them towards accommodation or bills to help with the cost of living, or spend them on a new laptop or printer to get you ready for exam season.    All University of Reading students are eligible to apply.  Apply before 30 March for your chance to win.  Check out the Santander Brighter Futures Grant page on Essentials for more information, and to apply.

Money management advice available to you 

The University’s Student Financial Support Team 

Offers free support for all your financial needs. Check out the Money Matters page advice and support, and for resources on smart financial planning. 

Email studentfunding@reading.ac.uk or phone 0118 378 5555 (09:30 - 17:00). Book an appointment. 

Reading Students' Union Money Advice 

Reading Students' Union Specialist Money Advisors are trained and experienced in offering free, confidential, independent advice and information on all money related matters.

If you'd like support from a member of Reading Students' Union Money Advice team, please complete the contact form. Come to a drop-in with Reading Students' Union Advice Service, either online: or in-person in the Reading Students' Union building on Wednesday afternoons between 1pm and 4pm

Blackbullion

If you haven’t used Blackbullion yet, we encourage all students to access this amazing digital financial tool. Set yourself up for the best possible position, no matter your background, with access to university funds, scholarships, and bursaries. 

Blackbullion find out more and login

Get Started with the Money Ready Course
 

Bursaries, Awards and specialist funding

If you are struggling with money and need extra help the University has a number of financial support schemes available to you. Check out our blog 'Four ways you can access financial support' to find the right one for you.  

Find out about the extra financial support you could receive in the form of Bursaries and Awards. 

Applications are now open for the Student Support Fund

The Student Support Fund is a range of different pots of money set aside to assist students who are experiencing unexpected financial difficulty. The Student Support Fund can only be used to help with living costs and are provided by the University based on an assessment of need.

When applications re-open in October, you can apply via the RISIS portal.

See further details and eligibility on the fund below and please read the Guidance Notes and instructions for applying before you start.