Continued cost-of-living support for our students in 2023

The cost of living remains one of the biggest challenges for students studying in London. Through our funding schemes and financial advice services, we aim to support you with this highly personal and often complicated aspect of university life.

Over the last year, we monitored and listened to what you were worried about and what you were struggling with most. We then trialled a wide range of financial support measures to address these, including reducing the cost of printing and study materials and enhancing our re-use initiatives, extended opening hours that provided warm spaces to study and socialise, cheaper food in our canteens, free period products and free graduation robes for those on financial support.

The overwhelming feedback we got was that more money should go to those who need it most.

That is why, this year we have added more money than ever before to the financial support provided by UAL.

• We have increased the household threshold for the Hardship Fund, so that students whose families have an income of under £50,000 a year are eligible to apply for the fund.
• We have added an additional £300k to increase the UAL Bursary (individual payments this year will be £1,300, compared to £1,200 last year)
• The Hardship fund is now open for applications. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

Many of the other measures we put in place last year are still available for you to access, including free period products, lower cost food options and free graduation robes for recipients of the Bursary or Hardship Fund. Find out more about these on our cost-of-living support page.

Advice and support

As always, our Student Advice Service is here to give you tailored financial support and advice . This includes:

• How to apply for student finance and additional funding
• Debt advice and support with debt negotiation
• Applying for state benefits and any issues related to your application
• Money management and budgeting

We also have a fantastic careers service that supports you with getting paid work while you’re studying and after graduation. Explore the Student Careers hub and sign up for Arts Temps to get access to a wide range of paid creative opportunities.