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Your money and finances

Money support

Living in London as a student can be expensive. Through our cost-of-living initiatives we aim to keep costs for you as low as possible. If you need extra support, we're here to help.

Money management and financial support

Find the advice and support you need on funding, managing your money and getting paid work.

International students and money

Get support with fees, funding, visas, bank accounts and working if you’re an international student.

Get a student bank account

It's important to have a UK bank account while you are studying here to be able to pay for your bills and everyday things, get paid by employers, and keep your money safe.

Home students

If you’re a UK student you may want to check out what new student bank accounts you have access to.

International students

Check out useful information on how to open UK bank accounts in our guide to moving to the UK.

It will take a few weeks after arriving in the UK to open your new bank account. Make sure you have another source of money for your first few weeks in London, such as cash or a debit/credit card from your home country with low international fees.

If you continue to use the debit or credit card from your home bank you may have to pay overseas bank charges. Find some good advice about the best student bank accounts.

How to open a bank account

To open a bank account, you'll need to visit a bank branch.

Make sure you have with you:

If you have any questions about opening a bank account in the UK, contact our Student Advice Service.

Papier mache eyeballs. Four loose on a gold tray and two growing on stalks out of acid yellow and burnt orange pots.
Jessica Oag-Cooper, 2017 Fine Art, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: John Sturrock

Council tax exemption

If you're living in student accommodation, you don't need to worry about council tax.

If you're not in student accommodation, most students are exempt from paying council tax.  However, if your programme is part time or shorter than 30 weeks, please contact the Student Advice Service to seek guidance.

To claim your exemption, you’ll have to prove to your local council that you're a student.

Get a council tax exemption letter

Download your letter from the UAL Portal under 'My Study Details'

Student discounts

  • Three students sitting on steps at the entrance to the Tate Britain
    Students sitting at the Tate Britain entrance. © Alys Tomlinson.

    Student discounts

    A page dedicated to highlighting all of the student discounts available to you whilst studying at UAL.

  • Woman sitting at a desk leaning towards a large computer monitor
    Image courtesy of UAL

    IT software and discounts

    Information for students about UAL IT Services, discounts and software.