It is important that you manage your finances, as falling behind in accommodation payments can result in receiving further charges, having your Ethernet disconnected, being asked to leave your hall or even being unable to graduate at the end of your course.

The best way to be sure your fees are paid on time is to set up a DIRECT DEBIT - you (or the person paying for you) will need a UK Bank Account to set up a DIRECT DEBIT.

Download Direct Debit Form

Please note: If you hold a UK Bank Account setup when you were a minor please be aware that your bank may not allow you to set up a Direct Debit mandate. Contact your bank to change this.

We don't want to frighten you and will always listen to each individual case to ensure everyone is treated fairly. If you are having any problems in paying your fees, you should go to the Accommodation Office or your Hall Administration Office immediately to discuss making alternative arrangements. We will do all we can to help.

However, it would clearly be preferable not to get into difficulties in the first place, so it is important to carefully manage your finances. Try not to let money worries spoil your time as a students. Work out a sensible budget before the start of the year and if you have a shortfall think about a vacation or part time job - you might even pick up some valuable new skills. The Careers Service can also help you with this.

Budgeting Tools & Tips

Brightside-UNIAID provide useful tools to assist with budgeting at University:

• Student Calculator
• International Student Calculator

Alternatively, have a look at some of the budgeting tips below to help you manage your money.

• When working out a budget plan, don't forget to include an amount for unexpected costs e.g. birthdays, extra travel home etc.
• Try to keep a note of everything you spend. This will help you to see where your money goes
• If you can, use internet banking to regularly check your balance. It may surprise you how often you take cash from a machine to grab a coffee or a magazine
• Before you throw things away, consider selling them, try eBay or Amazon Marketplace, and if you don't have access to a computer, you could use Loot, a newspaper of adverts which comes out three times a week and is available from most newsagents
• If you're over 19, you can apply for help with health costs (e.g. prescriptions, opticians). Do this early on, as it can take a while for you to be assessed. Get an HC1 form or pick one up from the Student Union, your doctor or dentist, or by calling 0300 123 1002 (Minicom 0300 123 1003). For more information about HC1 forms click here.
• If you want a new hairstyle but don't want to fork out the cash, you can get cheap haircuts and colour, in Manchester, at the Wella Studios (0161 834 2645), Toni and Guy Academy (0161 832 8282) and L'Oreal Academy (0161 834 9594). Most of the time you will have an experienced stylist, who is refreshing their skills, and you'll get a haircut for less than £10 and a colour for less than £20
• Don't take your cash card when on a night out. Decide how much you want to spend before you go out, and take cash. That way you can't spend more than you intended, and it reduces the risk of your card being lost or stolen
• You can also find money saving tips online or go to the NUS website which gives advice and information on discounts and offers

Insurance

It might not seem like the most exciting topic but it is important and if something valuable should be lost, stolen or damaged it might be covered in your personal possessions insurance which is included in your rent. Make sure you read the small print though.