Help with the Cost of Living
At Keele we understand that rising living costs and inflation can make managing money at university feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time handling finances on your own. To help you plan your budget and cut living costs, our tips and guidance offer practical advice, useful tools, and support so you can make the most of your time at university.
Financial advice and guidance
At Keele you will have access to our Student Financial Support Team. Based within Student Services, our dedicated team can provide you with confidential in-person and virtual advice and guidance on a wide variety of financial issues such as bursaries and scholarships, support funds, and budgeting. Our strong connections with fellow student support teams at Keele and external agencies, means we can provide a holistic approach to your needs and make referrals to a wider support network as and when required.
Student finance
From student finance applications and maintenance loans to grants and extra support, there are various opportunities to access financial support while studying at university.
Budgeting
Budgeting helps you manage essentials, social spending, and emergencies while reducing debt and stress. If you’d like help to manage your finances, our Financial Support Team offer free, confidential one-to-one financial wellbeing checks and will help you to create a personalised budget.
Living at Keele is designed to be affordable. On-campus accommodation keeps travel expenses down, includes all your bills, and puts everything you need within easy reach. Budget-friendly and landlord accredited off-campus options are also available nearby. When planning your weekly spending, remember to include essentials like food, travel, study supplies, and extras such as phone bills or subscriptions.
Funding and part-time work
Keele offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to help reduce costs, along with guidance on funding options such as government support and university schemes. Many students also take on part-time work, with plenty of flexible opportunities available on campus such as becoming a Student Ambassador, working in our shops, Student Union.
For off-campus positions, our Careers and Employability team can help you search and apply for flexible, part-time work in the local area via CareersHub, a specialised job database.
If you are an international student, please speak to our Immigration and Advice team in relation to visa restrictions.
Typical costs at uni
Your main expenses will be tuition and accommodation. Living on campus at Keele can help keep travel costs low, as teaching spaces, shops, and social facilities are all close by, with affordable accommodation also available in nearby off-campus areas. While low travel costs, free Wi-Fi, and all utilities and contents insurance are included in your rent, it’s still important to budget for weekly living costs such as food, your mobile phone, gym membership, streaming services, a student TV licence, laundry, and travel home to visit friends and family.
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Food and Drink
Our campus has a range of food and drink outlets to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. The on-site Co-op offers fresh, affordable options plus a 10% student discount for TOTUM card holders, and additional savings with a Co-op membership card. Larger supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, are just a 10-minute drive away in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Stoke also has a variety of specialist supermarkets with products from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Eastern Europe, China, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines.
Travel
Keele is really easy to get around, with regular buses, a nearby train station, and plenty of cycle paths. These travel options help keep costs down while being more eco-friendly. As a Keele student, you can get discounted bus fares, and if you pick up a 16–25 Railcard, you’ll save a third on train travel plus gain access to special offers and rewards through National Rail.
Entertainment
There will be lots of opportunities to socialise, attend events and make new friends during you time at Keele. Whilst this will be an exciting time, it’s also important to keep to a realistic budget, so you know how much money you need to spend on the things you enjoy. From events and gigs to societies, make the most of your money by checking out What’s on at Keele SU.
Accommodation
We offer a range of accommodation options, from en-suite and shared flats to standard rooms to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Living on our 600-acre campus can help you save even more, with low travel costs, free Wi-Fi, and all utilities and contents insurance included in your rent. Full-time students are also typically exempt from council tax. Our Student Accommodation team are also happy to offer assistance and advice when it comes to choosing off-campus student accommodation.
Discounts and Vouchers
From Totum, to Unidays and Student Beans, there are hundreds of vouchers and discounts up for grabs. Check out further ways to save money via the websites below:
Childcare
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access Parents' Learning Allowance and Childcare Grant from the UK Government. You can apply for both of these as part of a Student Finance application. Students studying on some NHS-affiliated courses can also access NHS Parental Support.
