Smiling international student outside the Guildhall

Make your money go further

University support and practical suggestions for saving money as the cost of living rises

The UK is currently experiencing an increase in the cost of living and you may be worried about a rise in food prices and household bills. Here we have highlighted the most relevant support and practical suggestions for making your money go further.

Support from the University

University Support Fund

The University Support Fund provides limited financial support to students in financial difficulty for things like:

  • Rent
  • Bills
  • Food
  • Medical costs, such as prescriptions of contact lenses
  • Some study related travel costs - for example commuting between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth
  • Course related costs for part time students such as childcare

Laptop Loans and Campus PCs

Make the most of Laptop Loans and Campus PCs. If you do not have access to your own PC or laptop at home there are four Open Access Areas around the campus with over 600 PCs, Apple Macs and printing facilities for you to use. You can also borrow laptops on short term loans.

Students on Bursaries and Scholarships might be able to borrow laptops for a longer period of time. Qualifying students will be contacted directly and offered this support but if you would like to find out more you should contact studentfinance@port.ac.uk. To be eligible, you must be receiving one of the following: Care Leaver Bursary, Stand Alone Bursary, Young Carer Bursary, Scholarship and Support for Black Students Scholarship, Warm Welcome Scholarship or Sanctuary Scholarship (not Fee discount).

Managing your money advice

We've got money saving tips from our Student Finance Team including a budget calculator and how to become cash savvy.

Wellbeing Services

We have a wide range of wellbeing support for you to access if you are feeling worried or anxious about rising costs. As well as in person support you can also use the WhatsUp App free of charge and make the most of free talking therapy (cognitive behavioural) sessions online.

Earn money, discounts and free stuff

Jobs Board - part-time work

Maximise your income and make your student loan go further by taking a part-time job alongside your studies. Make sure you’re registered for MyCareer to get full access to the latest vacancies.

Discount food

You can buy and collect your ‘magic bag’ of cheap food from campus cafes through the Too Good to go app - while helping us to reduce food waste at the same time.

Campus cafes loyalty discounts

Your loyalty card, built into your student ID card, can bag you a huge range of benefits at our Campus cafes, including 5% off every purchase, your 9th coffee free and seasonal bonus points and offers.

Free University Bus

The U1 University Bus runs every 15 minutes in a circular route around Portsmouth during weekdays in term time. It’s free if you show your student ID card. 

Save money when buying books

The University Library should stock at least one copy of every book on your reading list and may hold many copies of key texts, including digital versions. There’s also the Book Nook in the Library where you can swap books with other students.

External support and advice

As well as support and advice from the University, you may qualify for support from Government schemes to help households deal with rising costs:

  • Energy Bills Support Scheme discount - the scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023.
  • Warm home discount scheme - keep an eye out for this scheme which is due to reopen in November 2022. Last winter some students on means tested benefits were eligible for £140 off their electricity bill.
  • Citizens Advice - can offer advice on managing energy bills as well as your rights as a tenant.
  • Energy Saving Trust - the website has a number of energy saving tips, tools and calculators to ensure you are being as energy efficient as possible.
  • Switched On Portsmouth - Portsmouth City Council and the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) are offering eligible residents a FREE energy and money saving service. This is available if you live in private rented accommodation in the city. For more information on eligibility visit the website or call 0800 260 5907
  • Portsmouth Cost of Living Hub and Helpline - Portsmouth City Council have set up a new one-stop source of local advice and support during the cost of living crisis. For money saving advice and sources of local support visit the website or call 023 9284 1047 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.