With the rising cost of living in the UK, you may feel financial pressure and strain that could impact your studies. Despite any challenges you may be facing, we're here to ensure your time at Royal Holloway is a positive one.
With the rising cost of living in the UK, you may feel financial pressure and strain that could impact your studies. Despite any challenges you may be facing, we're here to ensure your time at Royal Holloway is a positive one.
We understand how cost of living challenges are impacting students and both the University and Students’ Union teams are committed to providing you support as best we can with the cost of living. From money tips and tricks to the study support grant, the Financial Wellbeing team have provided a variety of information on budgeting and support in case you need it.
University Support
Financial Wellbeing can provide short-term interest-free loans of up to £500 if you are facing an emergency financial situation to assist with cash flow problems caused by funding delays or other reasonable requests where a loan would be suitable.
Small cash amounts may be available if you find yourself without the means to meet your basic needs, for example, if you are unable to pay rent or there is a threat of eviction or homelessness if you are unable to afford to buy food or unable to pay for essential travel costs. They can also provide food parcels if you are in immediate financial hardship or can refer you to Runnymede Foodbank.
The Study Support Grant is available to students who are facing longer-term financial difficulties. Due to the high demand, the grant is awarded via an assessment procedure which calculates your support needs, annual income, and the cost of living. More information on the Study Support Grant, as well as the application process, can be found on the Student Intranet. For more financial tips and advice, have a look at the University's cost of living pages or you can contact the Financial Wellbeing team directly at moneymatters@royalholloway.ac.uk.
The University Financial Wellbeing team are also recommencing their breakfast boosts with free muffins and fruit soon to be available to all students!
Foodbank Referral
If you have received support from the University Financial Wellbeing team and you still find yourself struggling, the SU Advice Centre is now collaborating with Runnymede Foodbank and can complete foodbank referrals. If you would like to discuss a referral to Runnymede Foodbank, all you have to do is book an appointment with an advisor and discuss your situation. An advisor will then be able to complete a referral, if this is the most appropriate cause of action, and signpost you to any other support you may be looking for. The Advice Centre is a confidential service and is available to all students at Royal Holloway.
Local Runnymede foodbanks
Englefield Green – open Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm at The Village Centre, 68 Victoria Street, Englefield Green, TW20 0QX
Egham – open Mondays from 10am-12pm at Virginia Lodge, 68A Station Road, Egham, TW20 9LF
Egham Hythe – open Tuesdays from 7pm-8.30pm, St Pauls Church, Thorpe Road, Staines, TW18 3HJ
Remember, you are not alone; we are here to support you however we can. Please do contact us at advice@su.rhul.ac.uk or join a drop-in in person or online to speak to a friendly advisor.
Look out for our next cost of living blog where we'll be sharing some budget-friendly recipes!