Most students have to get by on a low income and many students experience difficulties making their money stretch to cover all their expenses!

Don’t panic though as there are ways to increase your income and make your money go further.

First you need to maximise your income and get everything you are entitled to from student funding and other income sources. Are you getting the correct amount for your student loan and other grants?

Students with disabilities, lone parents, students with children, and those incapable of work for 28 weeks or more may be entitled to benefits such as housing benefit, income support, tax credits and disability benefits. If you think you may be entitled to benefits come along to the SU Advice Centre where an advisor can check whether you would be eligible.

Once you have looked at all your funding and benefit entitlement you need to think about getting a job. Get down to the Bridge in the SU to register and look at the current vacancies which are updated everyday. Remember before getting a part time job to fill out a HC1 form to see if you are entitled to help with prescriptions, eye and dental treatment. You can pick up a form from the SU Advice Centre, so fill it out before you miss out!

After maximising your income you need to set out a weekly budget that you can live on – an advisor at the SU Advice Centre can help you work out a realistic budget. If you have debts, the SU Advice Centre as a licensed debt advice agency can assist you with dealing with your creditors (the people you owe money to).

Don’t put your head in the sand with debt or money worries, it’s better to deal with them sooner rather than later so you can get on and enjoy your time at university.

SU Advice Centre open 11-3pm Mon-Fri, ring 01772 894880, email suadvice@uclan.ac.uk