Going to university can be a life-changing experience for many people. Student life is often exciting and vibrant; full of rich cultural and intellectual experiences. It’s an opportunity to meet people from across the globe, who have different interests, experiences and outlooks on life yet share the common goal of pursuing education, focusing on learning and fulfilling academic aspirations. For many young people in particular it is a transition period to independence with all the freedom and responsibility that this brings.

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We know that being a student these days is different from the days of tuition fee grants and generous living allowances. The cost of living has increased, as well as the perception of studying being more daunting with the introduction of the tuition fee loan system. Over 30% of students say they feel they’ve taken on more debt than they expected to (Unite Students Insight Report 2015) although paying back your student loan may be less daunting than you first expected.

Sometimes, real and perceived financial pressures combined with a new found financial independence can be difficult to manage. We recognise the importance of helping students to budget and manage their finances. It’s not only about budgeting – we can help students to find part-time work that fits around studies.

It’s not surprising that as many as 20% of students have tried gambling as a way of making money. The Guardian reported last year on the issue of gambling amongst students. If reading the article makes you think about your own gambling behaviour, please come and talk to us. As well as help from support services at Sheffield Hallam and Hallam Students’ Union, you can access support online or via telephone from GamCare.

 

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Get help if you’re in debt or worried about gambling…

    • Speak to an adviser in a Student Services Centre
    • Download Hallam Students’ Union Debt Self Help Guide
    • Take a look at Blackbullion, an easy-to-use online resource designed to develop your financial skills. Just got to the website and register with your Sheffield Hallam email address.
    • Visit the Money Advice Service website for free and impartial money advice
    • Talk in confidence to a Gamcare adviser, by phone on: 0808 8020 133 (Available to people living in England, Scotland and Wales).