2nd in the UK for Cost of Living Support (Submission-based Award) in the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, the leading higher education awards based solely on student voice.
The cost of living increase is impacting everyone right now, and we know that some people are really struggling. At Chester, we’re determined to help our students with any financial issues they may be facing. Studying at university is an investment in your future and we want to make it as accessible to as many people as possible, so here’s what we’re doing to help.
Bursaries
Here at the University of Chester, we have a wide range of bursaries you may be eligible for that can help support you through your studies. There are several bursaries available to eligible part-time or full-time students, including bursaries for students studying Foundation Years and those coming from lower household incomes, as well as those who are care experienced, estranged from their families, have caring responsibilities, or are members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater communities.
Earn While You Learn
There are lots of ways that you can make some extra money alongside your studies. Getting a part-time job is also a great way to meet new people and gain new skills. Our Careers and Employability team can help you find local part-time work alongside your studies, while our UniJob service offers paid part-time roles working at the University. We also have Paid Workplace Experiences where you can get graduate level paid work and offer Employer in the Foyer events where you can find out about local work opportunities.
Student Support Fund
We provide the Student Support Fund to eligible students who are having financial difficulties. The fund is administered by the Your Money Team and awards are given to students facing financial difficulties and are non-repayable.
Student Support
Our Student Support team are on hand to provide assistance with any student wellbeing issues. If you are a student with special circumstances, you can discuss your financial arrangements with our Wellbeing and Mental Health team and our advisers may be able to suggest ways you can get financial help.
Your Money Team
The Your Money Team are part of Student Services and are on hand to help with financial concerns. As part of their service, they run a regular Your Money Pop-Up where you can have a chat with one of our friendly Student Money Advisers. This is a great opportunity to get your money-related questions answered and learn about how to manage your finances going forward.
Free Loan Equipment
We have a range of computers available and laptops you can loan across our sites for free, as well as access to thousands of books, e-books and e-journals.
Catering Initiatives
There are also lots of ways to save money at our sites via our catering initiatives. For the 23/24 academic year, we’ll be offering hot Value Meals for less than £3, alongside our free Too Good to Throw meals which will be served on a first come, first served basis from 2pm.
Outreach
Our Outreach team have created a number of resources to help when it comes to your finances, including blogs on topics such as student budgeting and sustainable spending. Take a look at the Outreach resources.