Uni life can get expensive fast — rent, travel, food, and materials all add up. But there’s more help available than most of us realise. From AUB bursaries to national grant funds and healthcare discounts, here’s a quick guide to the support you might be missing.

AUB Support

If you’ve hit a rough patch or had unexpected costs, AUB offers a BA Hardship Fund. It’s there for students who experience exceptional financial difficulties — things like sudden housing issues, loss of income or emergencies. You can apply through myAUB → eVision → Search and Apply for Funding.

There are also Access and Participation Bursaries for Care Leavers, Estranged Students, and Young Adult Carers — worth £2,000 per year and not means-tested. If you think you might qualify, chat to Vicky-Nenya Uzzell, Progression Officer, or email vnenyauzzell@aub.ac.uk.

National and Local Grants

Beyond campus, try the Turn2Us Grants Search — you can filter by your situation to find charities offering one-off payments or funding for study materials, rent or living costs.

Locally, BCP Council’s Benefits and Grants page lists cost-of-living support and the Household Support Fund, which offers short-term help with food and bills through Citizens Advice BCP.

Universal Credit for Students

Most full-time students can’t claim Universal Credit, but there are exceptions. You might be eligible if you:

• Have a disability and receive PIP or DLA
• Are responsible for a child
• Don’t receive a maintenance loan

Check the details on the GOV.UK Universal Credit for Students page before applying.

Healthcare Savings

If you pay for prescriptions, the NHS Low Income Scheme or Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) can save you a lot over the year — especially if you need regular medication.

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Where to Get Help

• AUB Financial Support & Bursaries
• Access & Participation Bursaries Info (AUB)
• Universal Credit for Students (GOV.UK)
• Turn2Us Grants Search
• BCP Council Benefits & Grants
• NHS Low Income Scheme
• NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate