When choosing a university, it's a good idea to research the bursaries, scholarships and loans available to you.
If you want to apply, make a note of the application deadline dates so you don't miss them.
Fees and funding
There are online finance calculators which will help you to work out exactly how much money you will have to live on when you start your course.
Student finance calculator
If you've got a part-time job, maybe you could start putting aside a little bit of money each month. You could start with £10, it'll soon build up and could come in really handy when you start at uni.
Tuition fees and living costs are your two main expenses at university. Use our living costs page to help you estimate your costs and produce a budget for everyday outgoings like accommodation, household bills, food and travel.
Student guide to budgeting
Our on-campus accommodation opens for applications around mid-January.
It will be your biggest outgoing so make sure you can afford it. Use the living costs calculator again and amend the accommodation type to suit your budget.
Apply for accommodation
Applications for student finance usually open in February and close at the end of May. As well as a student loan there are other grants available:
If you don’t already cook, it's a really good life skill to have at uni. Ask someone you know to teach you to cook your favourite dishes or learn with online tutorials.
It's time to consider opening a student bank account. There are lots to choose from so use a comparison website to find one that suits you.
It's also worth signing up for internet banking so you can access your accounts at all times.
UCAS: A quicker way to get a student account
You need to submit your student funding application before the end of May. This should guarantee all of your funding will be in place for the start of term in September.
Student finance: apply online
If you haven't got a summer job yet, it's not too late! If you can work before university and save some of your wages, it will come in very useful when you start.
You may find the Blackbullion website helpful when developing your money skills for uni.
Blackbullion.com
It is important to have the correct insurance to protect your personal belongings.
Our on-campus accommodation costs include personal contents insurance. If you live off-campus, your parents/carers' insurance may cover your possessions while at uni.
UCAS: student content insurance
Once you know where you're going, start looking for part-time work local to the uni.
Kent Union has a Jobshop that you can sign up to once you enrol on your course. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and meet them at the October recruitment fair.
Kent Union Jobshop
Read through your student finance application to make sure everything is up-to-date. Don't forget to check that your contact information and bank details are correct so you will get paid on time.
Student finance login
Once your reading list is available, find the best place to buy your books. Some shops match online retailers and you could get a discount if bulk-buying. Don’t forget, you can also buy them second-hand and borrow books from the library.
Student finance is paid into your account a couple of days after registration. Make sure you have some money for the first week.
If you do not receive your student finance on the first day of term, you may be able to apply for an emergency loan.
TOTUM: the student discount card
Your budget will help you make the most of your time at University but sometimes even the best plans can be disrupted by unforeseen events. Kent Union Advice Centre offers advice and support if you're ever struggling with your finances.
