Emergency Help: What to Do If You’re Struggling Financially at University

University life is exciting, but financial struggles can make it overwhelming. If you’re finding it hard to cover rent, buy groceries, or afford study materials, don’t panic—help is available. Many students go through financial difficulties at some point, and universities, charities, and government schemes exist to provide emergency support.

This guide breaks down all the ways you can get immediate financial help, so you don’t have to face the stress alone.

1. University Hardship Funds: Your First Option for Emergency Help

Most universities offer hardship or financial contingency funds for students facing unexpected financial difficulties. These are typically non-repayable grants given to students in genuine need.

Who Can Apply for Hardship Funds?

You may qualify for hardship funds if you:

• Are struggling with rent, food, or essential living costs.
• Have experienced unexpected financial difficulties (family crisis, loss of part-time job, or a sudden expense).
• Are a student parent, mature student, care leaver, or disabled student.
• Have delayed student finance payments and need short-term support.
• Have been homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

How to Apply

• You can contact GobblexEdu.co.uk, and we’ll help you navigate the entire application process for financial support.
• We’ll assist you in gathering the necessary documents, like bank statements, rent contracts, and student loan statements, to prove your financial hardship.
• If needed, we’ll guide you in accessing emergency short-term loans from your university, especially if your student loan is delayed.

📌 Tip: Apply as early as possible! Hardship funds are limited, and universities prioritize students most in need.

2. Budgeting and Money Management: Stretch Your Funds Further

If you’re struggling, one of the first steps is to assess your spending and make your student loan last longer.

Practical Ways to Save Money as a Student

• Use student discounts – Many shops, restaurants, and travel services offer student discounts. Get a TOTUM card or check Unidays and Student Beans.
• Look for cheaper accommodation – University halls may be expensive, so check private rentals or shared housing options.
• Apply for bursaries or scholarships – Many universities offer low-income bursaries or grants that do not need to be repaid. Reach Out and we help you navigate your scholarships with your university.
• Track your expenses – Use budgeting apps like Emma, Yolt, or Monzo to monitor your spending.
• Reduce unnecessary expenses – Cancel unused subscriptions and limit eating out.

📌 Tip: Many universities offer free budgeting workshops—check with your student finance office.

3. State Benefits: Can Students Claim Extra Financial Help?

Most full-time students cannot claim government benefits, but there are exceptions.

Who Can Claim Benefits?

You may be eligible for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other financial support if you are:

• A single parent or student with children.
• A disabled student who receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
• A student with a low-income household who meets specific criteria.

How to Check Your Eligibility

• Speak to a GobblexEdu adviser for more guidance.

📌 Tip: Your Maintenance Loan may be considered as income for benefits calculations, but some grants (like Disabled Students’ Allowance) are not counted.

4. Emergency Food, Rent & Energy Support

If you’re struggling with food, rent, or energy bills, don’t suffer in silence—there are urgent support options available.

Food Banks & Free Meals for Students

• Many universities partner with local food banks to provide emergency food parcels for struggling students.
• Some universities offer free breakfast or meals during exam seasons—check with your student union.
• Apps like Too Good to Go let you buy leftover food from restaurants at a huge discount.

Help with Rent & Energy Bills

• If you can’t afford rent, speak to your university’s student housing support team—they may help you negotiate payment plans.
• Some councils offer grants for low-income students to help cover essential bills.
• Energy providers sometimes offer emergency credit or hardship grants—contact your provider if you’re struggling to pay.

📌 Tip: If you’re living in a shared student house, make sure you apply for Council Tax exemption to save money!

5. Support for Mature Students & Career Changers

If you’re a mature student (over 25) or returning to education, you may qualify for additional financial help.

What Financial Support Exists for Mature Students?

• Higher Maintenance Loan: Once you turn 25, your student finance is based on your own income, not your parents’ income—this could increase your loan amount.
• Mortgage or Loan Payment Holidays: Some banks allow students to pause mortgage or loan payments while studying.
• Emergency Savings: If possible, try to build a small savings fund before starting your course.

📌 Tip: If you’re concerned about student loan debt, remember that repayments are based on your income, and the loan is wiped after a set period if unpaid.

6. Students with Dependents: Extra Grants & Allowances

If you are a parent or supporting a family member, additional financial help is available.

Extra Grants for Student Parents

• Childcare Grant – Covers up to 85% of childcare costs.
• Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) – Up to £2,000 per year to help with study-related costs.
• Adult Dependents’ Grant (ADG) – Financial help if you support a financially dependent adult (e.g., partner, parent).

Other Support for Student Parents

• Some universities provide on-campus childcare discounts or extra grants for parents.
• Many universities give priority housing for student parents, offering more family-friendly accommodation.

📌 Tip: Check if you qualify for Child Benefit or Universal Credit to supplement your income.

7. Financial Help for EU & International Students

If you’re an EU student with “home” status, you follow the same funding rules as UK students but may need to provide additional proof of residency.

Funding Options for EU & International Students

• EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status: You may qualify for student finance but must prove 3 years of UK residency.
• International Students: Generally do not qualify for government loans but can apply for scholarships, part-time work, or hardship funds.

📌 Tip: Check with Gobblex News for more guidance on funding options.

8. Repayment Considerations: How Much Should You Borrow?

If you’re worried about borrowing too much, it’s important to understand how student loan repayments work:

• You only repay once you earn above the threshold (currently £27,295 for Plan 2 loans).
• You repay 9% of earnings above the threshold—not a fixed amount.
• If you never earn enough, your loan is written off after 30-40 years.

📌 Tip: Grants, scholarships, and bursaries do not need to be repaid—maximize these before taking loans!

Final Thoughts: Where to Get Immediate Help

If you’re struggling financially at university, help is available. The key is to act early and explore all options:

• Apply for hardship funds – Many universities offer grants or emergency loans.
• Check your eligibility for extra grants – Parents, mature students, and disabled students can get additional financial support.
• Look into state benefits – Universal Credit and Housing Benefit may be available to certain students.
• Speak to a student welfare adviser – They can help you access local support services.

University should be a time of learning and opportunity—not constant financial stress. If you’re struggling, reach out for help and use the resources available to you. You are not alone, and there is always a solution to your financial worries.