Cost of living –
Budget Boost Guide

This fund offers discretionary awards of up to £2,000 assessed case-by-case for students facing unexpected financial hardship. The Fund does not need to be paid back and is open to all students to help with essential living costs like food, utility bills, rent and study-related travel. The Fund is available all year round – find out more and apply.

This scheme offers financial support for full-time undergraduates of all years to undertake career enhancing work experience. It supports low or unpaid work experience opportunities. See if you’re eligible and apply here.

The Emergency Loan service, run by the Students’ Union, offers all students up to £120 at 0% interest, repayable on an agreed date. Repayment is arranged at a time that is best for you.

Access to Recreation helps remove financial barriers to joining extracurricular clubs and societies by offering eligible students up to £300 per year for one registered group. Funding can cover membership fees, one-off tickets, or essential clothing and equipment.

The Students’ Union has created a student space offering pantry and hygiene products, financial wellbeing workshops, kitchen and seating areas, and community events. Essential Services is open to all students. Find out more about what’s on offer.

The Mental Health Support Team offers a choice of support tailored to your needs, including workshops, therapeutic groups, social prescribing, self-help tools, and 121 appointments with mental health professionals.

The Advice Service supports students with financial worries, offering guidance on Student Finance, funding, banking, and government benefits. They also provide help for those struggling with debt, connecting students to specialist advice to manage their finances while at university.

The eye examination (or eye test) clinic offers a full primary eye care service to all students over the age of 18. Appointments can be made by contacting the main optometry clinic reception. 

The Students’ Union Advice Service offers a confidential, non-judgemental sexual health service to help students stay safe and healthy. Free contraception and a range of condoms are available.

We provide free period products in 100 toilets across campus. If you live in one of our halls of residence, you can pick up free sanitary towels and tampons in your laundry. 

To access a range of medical services, register with a GP near your term-time address.

Alternatively, there is an on-campus GP Service, in partnership with The Robert Darbishire Practice. Based on the fourth floor of Crawford House, the surgery is open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9am to midday on Wednesday. Register with the practice. 

Students save 20% at Unicafe by using their University ID card. Top up your card in-cafe or online, then pay with it at any on-campus cafe to enjoy discounts. Parents or guardians can also add funds on your behalf.

Cosy Campus helps you manage rising living costs by providing free comfortable spaces to eat, study and relax on campus. Facilities include hot water, microwaves, washing stations and power sockets, making it easier to save money on food and essentials. Find a Cosy Campus space that fits your vibe. 

The Students’ Union helps students manage living costs by offering free food through the Community Fridge at The Nest. They also offer meal kit giveaways through the SU Eats Scheme, providing easy access to meals and reducing spending on groceries for students across campus.

Your School offers free breakfasts, snacks and drinks to help you through exams and assessments, as well as free Wednesday breakfasts at the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons. Keep an eye on Student News or pop into your local Student Support Hub to find out what’s on offer.

There are plenty of opportunities across campus and the city to gain experience and make money by working part-time. Our Careers Service and the SU Job Shop can provide support with your job search and applications.

Discover low-cost ways to enjoy Manchester with the University’s 100 things to do in Manchester guide and the Students' Union events page. Both highlight affordable activities, social events, and experiences to help you make the most of uni life.

The All Terms Bee Bus Ticket allows unlimited travel on Bee Network buses across Greater Manchester. Available to all university students, the ticket costs £330.

Buy a railcard for £35 and get a third off the price of train tickets for a year. You can even get a three-year 16-25 Railcard on the day before your 24th birthday, and it will still be valid just before you turn 27.

The University’s CommuteUoM app makes low-carbon commuting easier, cheaper and greener. It helps you carpool safely, plan public transport with fare savings, join walking or cycling groups, and earn rewards for choosing sustainable travel options.

No Time to Waste is our free sustainability platform that makes it easy and rewarding to build sustainable habits. Log everyday actions like recycling, thrifting, or attending wellbeing events, and you’ll earn Green Points that can lead to monthly prizes. 

Too Good To Go is the world's largest marketplace for surplus food and helps to rescue good food from going to waste, offering great value for money at local stores, cafes and restaurants.