Student Support
Money matters
Planning and managing your finances well is very important whilst you are studying at university. When you are studying away from home you should be able to focus on your studies without money worries.
In this section you will find some advice on opening a bank account, finding a part-time job, paying your course fees, and generally managing your money.
If you need help at any time get in touch with the International Student Advice Team in The 'i' on internationalstudentadviceteam@uclan.ac.uk or telephone +44 1772 895033.
Opening a bank account
When you come to the UK you will need to open a Bank Account. You should ensure that you bring sufficient cash to last from your arrival in the UK until you have opened, and can access your bank account. You should anticipate bringing £20.00 per day until you have a bank account. Before you can open a bank account you will need to enrol/pay your fees. Before you go to open an account, telephone the bank to ask what documents you need to bring because different banks ask for different documents. Though normally, you will need:
- Your green enrolment form
- Your passport
- A letter from the University (usually from your FIC or Exchange Coordinator). The letter must be addressed to your bank of choice and include your full name, confirmation of registration/enrolment and your Preston address
Listed below are some of the UK’s biggest banks. Each one gives details of the types of accounts they offer and the rate of interest they will pay on your savings.
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- NatWest Bank
- Barclays Bank
- Lloyds TSB
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Yorkshire Bank
- Abbey National
- Alliance and Leicester
Finding a part-time job
Many international students like to take up some form of work as part of the experience of studying abroad. Experience of the world of work can benefit your learning and, in some cases, you can integrate these opportunities with your studies.
It is essential however to keep a balance so that your work on your course doesn’t suffer. We recommend that full-time students do not take paid employment above 16 hours per week and students from outside the EU have a limit of 20 hours per week maximum during term time.
The Bridge
As part of our commitment to supporting our students, we have supported the Students’ Union in establishing ‘The Bridge’, an employment agency for students which finds placements that are compatible with full-time studies.
The Bridge student employment service is a joint venture between the University and the Students Union to help students find part-time temporary and part time or vacation work. It is essentially a specialist job centre for students, offering employers a variety of recruitment services.
About the bridge...
- It is a free service for those studying at the University
- Employers advertise vacancies which are student friendly
- The positions on offer are from all sorts of companies around Preston
- You can register online or call in at the office on the University campus
- The Bridge office can be found on the ground floor of the Students’ Union Building on Fylde Road.
Tel: +44 1772 89 4896.
Paying your course fees
Make sure you have enough money to cover your fees as you will be expected to pay your fees when you enrol. Details of your enrolment date and location will be available from your Department.
If you are receiving sponsorship from your home country you should check our Finance Department, before you leave your home country, to confirm how payment is made.
Managing your money
Cost of living
One of the reasons for choosing UCLan is that the cost of living is much lower than in many other parts of the UK. How much you spend depends on your own lifestyle and you should allow about £6,000 - £7,000 per year for food, accommodation, transport and other basic expenses when here. This will rise if you bring your family with you of course. We strongly advise you to make sure you have sufficient money to cover all your expenses whilst studying in the UK.
Practical advice on budgeting
- Keep a chart of your income and living costs
- Don’t carry around large amounts of cash or have your cards on display. There are plenty of ATMs you can use regularly
- Do not keep your cheque book and cheque cards together and NEVER give your personal card number (PIN) to anybody
- Don't forget to budget for hidden essentials
- You may also decide to join one of the many clubs & societies at the University. If you are taking up a new hobby or pastime there may be a cost for specialist equipment or material
Household Bills
During your first year you are likely to take a place in Halls of Residence. Your accommodation fees will include fuel bills i.e. gas and electricity. In your second/third years you will need to pay for all services associated with living in a shared house or flat. Work out monthly expenses and set up direct debits or standing orders from your account to pay your bills - some providers offer discounts if you opt to pay by this method. University Halls of Residence have telephones - you can dial internally at no cost. To dial externally you can purchase telephone cards.
Council Tax
This is the UK’s local government tax. Students sharing a home with other full-time students or living alone will not normally have to pay it. If you get a bill don’t worry, just take it to The 'i' where they will help you.
Books and Stationery
Don’t buy your books too soon, wait until you arrive in the UK, as students progressing onto the second year of their course may have second hand books available for you to purchase - look out for second hand books and bargains. Check notice boards, book fairs and the university bookshop.
Travel
- Student rail cards and bus passes offer cheaper travel
- Taxis are expensive but consider sharing with other students where possible
Shopping for food
- Apply for a University Smart Card - this can be credited with cash to pay for food at discounted prices.
- Sort out a weekly menu in advance and stick to it. It may be cheaper to make your own sandwiches than buy them!
- Shop in the cheaper supermarkets such as Aldi or Lidl.
- Remember that supermarkets are not the only place to shop, Preston also has an excellent covered market with a wide choice of goods. The indoor market is open every day except Sunday selling cheap fresh fruit/vegetables and fish.
UK Currency
The currency in the UK is the pound made up of 100 pence.
Notes come as £5, £10, £20, £50. Coins which are in pence (p) are 1p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, 100p, 200p
For other budgeting tips and advice see the following websites:
