Cost of Living Hub

Money-saving initiatives on campus

Give It A Go

The Students' Union’s activities programme Give It A Go (GIAG) is for all students. It open to all abilities and no membership is required. Get involved in exciting activities ranging from:

• crafts
• social sports
• discounted tickets
• tours
• trips

Period products available

We have partnered with Grace and Green to provide free period products for all students. The period products are available at various locations across campus.

Interactive campus map

The University's campus map shows where helpful facilities are. Use it to find out where you can access microwaves, showers and water points.

Use the Study Space Finder to find out the opening times and availability of study spaces and PCs on campus.

LibbyApp

The LibbyApp provides free access to magazines, audiobooks and e-books for leisure reading. The ‘Student Life’ collection of books and magazines has tips on student living, cost effective recipes and budgeting.

Calculator loan scheme

The calculator loan scheme provides 100 scientific exam regulation calculators. Students can borrow a calculator for up to 20 weeks.

Food

10% off food and drink on campus

Introducing UPAY: a new student discount app that makes it easier to save money when you eat and drink on campus. You’ll get 10% off food and drink, plus access to regular offers and deals across our cafés.

Use the app at any of our 12 cafés on campus.

Student Pantry

The Student Pantry at the Students' Union is a free resource for students in need. During term time FareShare North East restock the pantry once or twice a week.

Students can take up to five items per visit to the pantry. This ensures a good selection of food and helps support more students. The Student Pantry is inside the Students' Union (Ground Floor, next to the Welfare & Advice Hub).

If you need to use the pantry outside of these times, the Support and Advice Hub staff can help. The Hub has food parcels with tins and other essentials that are available to pick up in person.

Discretionary financial support to help with living costs is also available from the University.

Meal prepping

Check out Meal Prep 101 for top tips on meal prepping and saving money in the process. With a bit of planning, you can have delicious, budget-friendly meals ready to go.

Student discounts

Being a student comes with great perks. There are plenty of ways to save money while studying at Newcastle University. Keep an eye out for student offers, savings and promo codes to make your budget go further.

Apps and websites

Explore free apps such as:

• UNiDAYS
• Student Beans

They offer student discounts on popular brands, clothing, tech and everyday essentials.

Sites such as Save the Student aim to help students make their money go further.

Retail and food services

Many shops, cafés and restaurants in Newcastle offer student discounts. Always ask at the till or check their website.

Events

Regular events take place throughout the year. Examples are the NE1 Restaurant Week and Eldon Square Student Shopping Night. Exclusive offers and discounts take place during these events.

Carry your student ID

Always carry your student ID and ask about student deals before you buy. Small savings add up quickly.

NHS Low Income Scheme

If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help you pay for:

• NHS prescription charges
• NHS dental treatment charges
• the cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
• the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment
• NHS wigs and fabric supports (check with your hospital for their arrangements for supplying NHS wigs)

How much help you get depends on your weekly income and necessary outgoings. They will also take into account any savings or investments you have at the time you apply.

If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Transport

Get round for £1

If you're 21 or under, you can now go by bus for £1 or less. This applies to travel in Tyne and Wear, Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council areas.

You can also buy an unlimited £3 day ticket to get around these areas by bus, Metro or ferry. You must present a valid form of ID. Find out more at North East Bus Travel.

£2.50 bus fare cap

There is currently a cap of most adult bus fares in the region at a maximum of £2.50 on single tickets.

Student ticket options on buses

Each commercial bus company in the region offers their own student ticket options. You can find out more about the options available on each company's website or app:

• Go North East
• Stagecoach
• Arriva

Student Metro Season Ticket

The Student Metro Season Ticket is available for all students to use in three different zones all day. It is the most cost-effective method for students who travel on the Metro regularly. You can choose an annual ticket or a four-weekly one.

You need to apply for a Season Ticket Pop card and can renew your ticket online or at any Metro station ticket machine.

Network One Students and Young People Travel Ticket

Students travelling regularly on both the bus and Metro, can use a zone based ticket to save money. They are available from Network One. This gives the flexibility of using both bus and Metro but please note it is a higher price.

Cycling

We have regular visits from Dr Bike, delivered by local charity WATBike.

Safety inspections and minor repairs are completed for free. They will also provide a safety report detailing any large repairs that may be necessary. You can then take the report to a bike shop for repair.

Personal Extenuating Circumstances

We understand that you may need to work while studying. This may have a negative impact on your ability to study or complete assessments.

Employment responsibilities are not usually accepted as Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) grounds. However we are aware that you may need to take on additional paid work to be able to meet your financial responsibilities.

In these circumstances, you can submit a self-cert PEC for an extension of up to seven days. This can be applied to any assessment. You do not need to provide any additional evidence of your circumstances.

Some students may need an adjustment to the submission date of an assessment beyond seven days. You would need to complete a full PEC request and attach supplementary evidence. In these circumstances, a personal statement outlining your current situation will usually be appropriate.

You can find guidance on writing a personal statement in Appendix 2 of the PEC Procedure.

Make It Happen Fund

All students can apply for funding to support with the costs of:

• attending interviews or work experience
• developing a project or initiative
• exploring a business idea