If you are having financial difficulties then maximising your income will be a crucial step in getting you back on the right track. 

The Student Advisers can help you check that you are receiving all that you are entitled to, but here are a few tips:

• Are you receiving all the loans & grants that you are entitled to?  The Directgov website has information that can help you check this.  If you have not applied for your full student loan entitlement then it is possible to request more during the year.
• Can you apply to the Access To Learning Fund? If you are a home student in genuine financial difficulty then you may qualify for an award.
• Are you eligible for a £329 or £400 university bursary?  Have you received it?
• Are you working part-time?  If you are then you might consider increasing your hours, but not so much as it interferes with your studies (the university advises that 15 hours is a sensible limit).  The holidays provide a good opportunity to work more and save up some cash.
• Are you paying too much tax?
• Are you eligible to receive any social security benefits or tax credits?
• If your bank or credit card company has charged you for going over your overdraft limit or making late payments, you could try and get these back. 
• Are you eligible for any other form of loan? If you are not eligible for a student loan you may be able to apply for Professional and Career Development Loan.
• Are there any Trusts or Charities that can help?

For more information, check our 'Extra Money' information sheet.

If you are in temporary financial difficulties and need cash urgently, then the Student Advisers can give emergency short term loans.

Remember - the best way of avoiding getting into money troubles is to manage the income that you do have properly. Budget well.

"The Smart Money initiative at the University of Westminster is part of a national project aiming to improve students' financial capability, led by the Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB)"