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Student life

Cost of living

At UoG, we appreciate you may be concerned about the current cost of living crisis.

Strong support systems and friendly staff will ensure you have access to the advice you need to budget effectively during your studies.

This guide contains some useful information to get you started.

Jump to: Working during your studies | Scholarships, bursaries and awards | Budgeting | Top tips | Accommodation | Discounts | Support

Student life at UoG

We want every student to get the most out of their university experience. It’s important that you get the right balance of studies and social life without worrying whether you can afford it.

With a little bit of planning, you can take control of your finances leaving you free to get on with the things that are important to you.

Join a connected University

UoG benefits from excellent travel links, making it easy for students who live in the region to commute to campus while living at home and save on accommodation costs.

The University’s campuses are set across the city of Gloucester and its neighbouring town of Cheltenham – both are easily accessible by road and rail with Bristol, Birmingham and Oxford all within an hour’s reach.

A cycleway between Cheltenham and Gloucester is nearing completion and there are plans to further extend the cycle network in the region.

Working during your studies

A part-time job is a great way to boost your finances. Lots of our students do this, and it can be a great way to learn new skills.

Try to look for something flexible that will fit around your studies – there are lots of part-time options locally including jobs in bars, restaurants and retail. There are also opportunities for casual work at Cheltenham’s festivals and in the city of Gloucester.

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Top tip: Make sure you’re not paying more tax on your earnings than you should. For example, if you’re working temporarily, you’ll be taxed as if you earned that salary all year round.

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Visit Gov.uk to find out what you should be paying and how to make a claim if you’ve paid too much tax.

Unitemps

Unitemps at UoG is our own on-campus recruitment agency designed to provide paid, temporary jobs to fit around your studies. Not only will part-time work boost your finances, it will also strengthen your CV, give you important skills and build your professional confidence. 

Once you’ve joined UoG, you can register with Unitemps for regular updates about available paid vacancies.

“Currently I work as a student ambassador which is really well paid, plus I work 12 hours a week as a videographer for a small local business. I would definitely recommend finding a part-time job, especially something related to your degree so you can also get work experience.”

Michal, BA Photography: Editorial and Advertising

Head and shoulders photo of Michal smiling.

Student ambassador scheme

Student ambassadors are current students who are employed by the University to support a range of events, sharing their experience and knowledge of life at UoG.

Ambassadors have many different responsibilities, including running campus tours, supporting open days and campus visits, presenting in schools, and attending higher education fairs around the country. 

This scheme promotes flexible working hours too. This allows you to be in control and work alongside your studies while boosting your finances.

Current students can apply for vacancies via MyGlos at the beginning of each academic year – keep your eyes peeled.

Student ambassadors stood chatting at an event on campus

“I needed a job alongside my studies and becoming a student ambassador was an excellent opportunity – the work is super flexible and there is a wide range of events to choose from.

The scheme has also allowed me to make so many new friends. I wish I could go back to first year and do it all over again.”

Issie Haworth, Student ambassador

Group of students taking selfie at Gloucester Docks

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

We offer a range of fee waivers, scholarships, bursaries and awards for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students.

Depending on your course or status, you may be eligible for additional funding during your studies.

Budgeting

Love them or loathe them, budgets are the best way to manage your finances and keep an eye on your spending.

If you decide to join us at UoG, you can contact our Money Advice Team, who are on hand to help you create a sensible budget and manage your finances effectively.

Students chatting to staff at open day

“I used to stress a lot about money, so now when I get my student loan I take out what I need for accommodation and put it in a different account. That way I know my bills are covered and I can clearly see how much I have left to spend.”

Katie, Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

Clinical photographer walking towards patient in bed carrying a camera

Advice from our students #BTUPodcast

Watch our Behind the Uni Podcast, which features budgeting advice from current students.

Top tips from our students

Student Ellie-may looking through a circular hole in a piece of carved wood in an outdoor setting.

“Online banking is my saviour. I can make sure I know what’s coming in and going out.

“I can check what I’ve spent in a week, look through my incomings and outgoings, and see where my money’s gone – it’s helped me so much.”

Ellie-may, LLB Corporate Law

Student Samuel standing in front of the doors to a university computer room.

“Whether you’re living in Gloucester or Cheltenham, I advise getting the Unirider academic year bus pass. It’s a great way to save on transport.

“It is much cheaper to use the bus pass if you need to commute for a part-time job.”

Samuel Kofi Amoako, MSc Cyber Security

Student Cathy smiling as she sits on a chair in a garden.

“We don’t eat meat, which saves a lot of money and I cook from scratch about 75% of the time – it’s just something I’ve always done.

“Where possible, I use frozen veg as it works out cheaper and nothing goes to waste.”

Cathy, BSc Psychology

Accommodation

If you’re planning to apply for halls of residence at the University, then all of your bills such as heating, electricity, water, and internet will be included in your rental costs. Payments are then taken in three instalments across the academic year.

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All of the self-catered rooms in our halls of residence include bills making it easier for you to budget.

If you’d rather opt for private housing, then you might need to budget your finances slightly differently. Check out our useful tips for private housing budgeting.

Students being given a tour

Student discounts

Taking advantage of discounts is a great way to save money.

As a student, you’ll benefit from a vast range of discounts available locally and nationwide.

Support

At UoG we understand that rising costs may have an impact on your well-being. We are here to help and support you during your studies, ensuring you have a positive experience at the University.

Our Student Centres offer a range of support services to students across each of our campuses.

Helpzone adviser talking to student