Financial Guidance Team

Whether you are a new or returning student, applying for and understanding Student Finance can feel like a daunting experience. The Financial Guidance Team can help provide support and clarity around the application process. This includes checking you have received your full entitlement to funding, liaising with funding bodies where appropriate and guidance around other government-assessed funding (such as support from the NHS).

Checking my entitlement

Want to find out more about specific funding you might be entitled to depending on your programme and level of study? Check out our Money Matters Blog page to find out more.

The Financial Guidance Team offers a number of University loans and funds that you may be eligible to apply for. The team can provide you with guidance around the eligibility criteria and support in making an application.

University funds and loans (subject to available funds)

• Bridging Loan – (Repayable) to assist students whose first instalment of Maintenance Loan is delayed.
• Emergency Loan – (Repayable) may be offered to students who experience unexpected, temporary financial difficulties.
• Placement Loan – (Repayable) to assist students who may need additional funds to attend placements.
• Financial Assistance Fund – (Non-repayable) for students who are experiencing ongoing financial difficulties.
• Diagnostic Assessment Award – (Non-repayable) support towards a diagnostic assessment for dyslexia or other learning difficulty before applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) Top-Up Award – (Non-repayable) which offers support towards the cost of the first £200 towards computer and/or software as part of a DSA application.
• Care Leaver/Estranged Student Award – (Non-repayable) financial support for those who have left a care background or those who are estranged from their parents (and can demonstrate this estrangement).
• Carers Award – (Non-repayable) for students who are responsible for the care of a relative due to disability, chronic/terminal illness, mental health problem or similar.

Want to make an application for a university loan or fund?

To make an application for one of the University loans or funds, you will need to be an enrolled student at the University and meet the eligibility criteria. Further information and application forms are available on the Financial Guidance Team pages on the Student Hub [student login required].

University bursaries and scholarships

The University also offers a number of bursaries and scholarships which are managed by our Scholarships Team. For more information, please visit our Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards pages.

Sometimes, things don’t go to plan and you might experience academic, personal, or financial problems which affect your ability to study. This might result in you needing to:

• Change your programme
• Repeat modules
• Take time out
• Leave the University

Whatever the case may be, the Financial Guidance team will be able to support you in understanding the financial implications of programme changes and how this may affect your eligibility to receive funding.

Need to make changes to your programme of study?

If you are an enrolled student at the University and you want to find out more about the financial implications of changes to your programme of study, take a look at the Financial Guidance Team’s helpful guides on the Student Hub [student login required].

While at University, making your money go further and work harder may feel like a difficult task. Budgeting and knowing how to manage your money can help you feel more in control of your finances.

The Financial Guidance Team can provide you with suggestions on how to create and manage a budget, as well as ways to spend sustainably and save money.

Want to find out more about managing your money?

If you want to find out more about how to manage your money, create your own budget or learn some money saving tips, check out the Money Matters blog.

Managing money as a student can feel both challenging and rewarding, especially in today’s economy. Sometimes, it’s easier to chat with someone who’s going through similar financial experiences as you. That’s where the Student Money Mentors are here to help.

Who are we?

Think of us as your personal finance buddies.

As current students,we understand what it’s like to have money on your mind. We can share our own experiences, offer practical tips and help you figure out how to make your money stretch further and work harder for you.

What kind of help do we provide?

Whether you’re looking for a new recipe like the takeaway you love but for a fraction of the price, need help understanding your bills, want ideas for nights out that won’t break the bank, or maybe you just want to take advantage of the latest student discounts, we can help with all of that and more.

We can direct you towards specialist support from the university’s Financial Guidance Team. This includes access to university funding you may be eligible to apply for, queries around Student Finance, checking your entitlement and how changes in your studies may affect your funding.

We can also help you access services like Citizens Advice and the Hungry Minds Campus Pantry.

How to access support

Instagram

We have an Instagram page dedicated to all things money at UON. Here you’ll be able to find all our latest reels, tips and tricks to managing your money and interactive campaigns. Follow along on @uonmoneymatters. You can also drop us a DM if you need to get in touch.

Drop-ins

Fancy a quick catch up in person to discuss your burning money questions? Pop along to one of our term-time drop-in sessions on campus to find out how we can support you. Please visit the Student Hub for more information. [student login required]

Email

Send us an email on moneymentors@northampton.ac.uk

Join Our Team as a Student Money Mentor

Are you a creative thinker with a passion for helping others make the most of their money? Do you enjoy designing engaging content and connecting with fellow students in fun and meaningful ways? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Becoming a Student Money Mentor is a rewarding opportunity to support your peers while gaining valuable experience. As part of the role, you’ll:

• Develop practical design and communication skills
• Enhance your interpersonal abilities
• Collaborate with other students, the Financial Guidance team, and university departments
• Strengthen your CV with real-world experience

This is a flexible, part-time role designed to fit around your studies, making it ideal for students who want to make a difference without compromising their academic commitments. We accept applications from any course, both undergraduate and postgraduate.

The Financial Guidance Team recruit Student Money Mentors throughout the summer, with roles starting in the autumn term. Applications are made through Unitemps, so keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities.

Curious about what it’s like to be a Student Money Mentor?

Discover Matt’s inspiring journey as he shares how mentoring students and creating content on financial wellbeing enriched his postgraduate experience and helped shape his future:

“Being a Student Money Mentor has been an insightful and rewarding experience. Being able to watch the content posted that you created yourself and having people interact with it is mind blowing. For anyone looking for a creative job in the future, this is the job to get. The ability to have creative freedom to create the content you like but also help other students who might be struggling is a combination for success.

“Some of my favorite moments being a Student Money Mentor were during student money week. Creating games for students to win prizes and even hosting a quiz and bingo night. During these nights I got to improve my hosting skills and public speaking which built my confidence up. This job is not just a way to make money while at university, but it was a way to gain valuable experience in the content creation and social media world.

“This role has helped me in so many ways such as developing my creative ideas, content creation, editing, graphic design and so many more crucial life skills for a future in content creation and digital media marketing. As a student it also helped me get through my master’s financially and educationally, with the role helping me gain more understanding of the digital marketing world. Looking into the future I know this role will be the foundation of my next steps in life and for that I will be forever thankful.”

Matt, Student Money Mentor 2024/25

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Student Money Mentor, email money@northampton.ac.uk

• Student Finance England (Undergraduate)
• Student Finance England (Postgraduate)
• Contact Student Finance England
• Student Finance entitlement calculator
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland
• NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF)