At Royal Holloway we know that managing your finances can be a difficult part of being a student so we'll do all we can to help you to make your time at university as financially stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Student Financial Wellbeing
The Student Financial Wellbeing Advisers, based in Student Advisory and Wellbeing (Founders Building) are available if you find yourself in financial difficulty.
They are able to offer advice and guidance on financial matters, including budgeting for your studies.
They administer a number of funds including the Short Term Loan and Study Support Grant (previously the Hardship Fund).
Government Loans
Student Finance England provide loans for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to help with course fees and living costs.
Short Term Loan
Royal Holloway can provide loans of up to £500 if you end up in short-term financial difficulty and to assist in cash flow problems. This may include a late student loan payment, delayed funds from parents or postponed money from abroad.
It is an interest-free loan, which is repaid by an agreed date.
(Please note, loans usually take a minimum of three working days to be credited to your bank account.)
If you would like further information please contact the Financial Wellbeing Team
Study Support Grant (previously Hardship Fund)
The Study Support Grant is available to all students with an additional financial need.
If you have already received your maximum entitlement of student loan, parental support, home government loan etc, you may be eligible for help.
Please note, the Study Support Grant is cash limited and demand is high.
Applications will be considered throughout the academic year while funds are still available. Priority is given to mature students, those with childcare costs, disabled students and those from a low income background.
If you would like further information please contact the Financial Wellbeing Team
Working while studying
Many of you will take a part-time job to boost your finances while at university, whether it's to pay your way through your degree or for unexpected occasions.
Royal Holloway offers a number of vacancies to students on campus and also works with local employers to ensure you're aware of the jobs available.
We recommend you work no more than 20 hours per week, during the term time, so work doesn't interfere with your studies and gives you time to socialise.
Living costs
We estimate you should think of needing somewhere between £8,000 to £12,000 for a single person on campus, per academic year, to cover accommodation, food, personal expenses, study-related costs and some limited travelling.
International students also need to take into account various settling-in expenses, including arrangements for travel to and within the UK, visas and travel and health insurance.
Saving money with your Campus Account
As a student at Royal Holloway, you can use your Campus Account to buy food and beverages on campus, including in the dining halls, cafes, bars and shops.
This will mean you won’t pay VAT on many food and drink purchases. If you’re staying in a catered pay-as-you-go hall, you’ll also get a further subsidy on food in designated dining halls, saving you up to 50%. There is also a ‘Spend, Eat, Save’ loyalty scheme attached to your account.
See how to keep your Campus Account topped up
Open a student bank account
Most student accounts have benefits such as free railcards or an interest free banking. To get these accounts you usually have to prove you’re a Royal Holloway student, using a copy of your Student Status Certificate.
Opening a student bank account
Travel discounts
Get a 16-25 railcard through your student bank account. This gives you a 30% discount on Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Standard Advanced and First Class Advanced rail fares anywhere in the UK. Anyone in the UK aged between 16 and 25 is eligible.
If you don’t get a free railcard from your bank, you can apply online or at your local train station. For £30 a year or £70 for a three-year card, getting around can be cheaper than you think.
