Cost of living expenses
This post provides advice and guidance on matters such as financial hardship and how to access relevant support so you can make the most of your time at the University.
The rising cost of living is currently at the forefront of most people’s minds. The Careers Centre team knows that, due to the rise in cost-of-living expenses, many of you will have to make tough decisions that could impact your university experience.
Cost of Living Guide
The Students’ Association has produced a comprehensive guide that includes links to sources of support, advice, discounts, and practical tips for managing budgets and staying warm.
Rent and travel costs
The Scottish Government has announced a rent freeze for public and private properties at 6 September 2022 prices, and a ban on evictions, until 31 March 2023. Also, ScotRail ticket prices will be similarly frozen until March at least. Finally, students who are under the age of 22 are entitled to free bus travel within Scotland.
Clothing
If you need you need clothing for work or an interview, St AndReuse hosts clothing swap and sale pop-ups, which are a great way to lower your carbon footprint and save money. Clothes are £5 for up to five items, or you can swap your clothes on a one-to-one basis.
Smart Works, is an Edinburgh charity which provides clothing for unemployed women to attend interviews for paid jobs, apprenticeships, and work placements and supports them into employment. For those unable to travel to the centre, they offer a virtual service.
Food
Having access to affordable goods and produce so that you are properly nourished and energised is also important. The Tree – St Andrews aims to promote conscious consumption by linking consumers to local, organic, ethical, and affordable goods and produce. The Tree enables consumers the ability to buy a variety of food and goods at prices below normal retail pricing.
Part-time job vacancies
The Careers Centre can help you find part-time jobs in St Andrews and surrounding areas that will fit alongside your studies. Part-time jobs are advertised on CareerConnect in the ‘Vacancies’ section under ‘Look Local’. You can customise your CareerConnect profile to receive regular email alerts about new opportunities that interest you.
You can also find part-time jobs on Indeed, Totaljobs, GoodMoves, and Reed. Also, keep in mind that many local businesses in the town of St Andrews hire informally, such as posting vacancies in their shop windows.
Read our blog post on how to find a part-time job.
Employability bursary
The Careers Centre provides an employability bursary (scholarship) that offers financial support of up to £700 to help students in their career development. The bursary covers reasonable expenses you may incur while completing work-related activity, which cannot be claimed back from another funding source.
Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, applications from students who have completed or will complete a supported pathway programme, or who are care-experienced, are prioritised. Experiences with a sustainability or equality, diversity and inclusion focus are also especially welcome.
Employment rights
Being paid fairly and treated well at work is essential, and you have employment rights that protect you. Your rights as an employee include:
- written terms (a ‘written statement of employment particulars’) outlining your job rights and responsibilities
- National Minimum Wage
- payslips
- protection for ‘whistleblowing‘
Citizens Advice Scotland offers comprehensive information on basic rights and contracts, pay (problems getting paid, holiday pay, and sick pay), parental rights, flexible working, and more. Also, if you experience discrimination at work, they offer ways to take action and explain how to access support.
If you’re not a UK or EEA-domiciled student there may be restrictions on the number of hours you’re allowed to work. For more information, visit UKCISA – Tier 4 work.
University advice services
The University’s Advice and Support Centre (ASC) has dedicated money advisers who provide confidential financial advice and assistance to all students. The Money Team also manage and allocate the University Hardship Funds. These funds include:
- Discretionary Fund
- Childcare Fund
- International Student Discretionary Fund
- Welfare Grant
- University Loan Fund.
The Money Team also recommend money education resources to strengthen personal finance skills, as well as offering direction on budgeting and other scholarships and bursaries you can apply for.
If you want to speak with the University’s Money Advisers, please email [email protected].
If you need support in writing a personal statement for a scholarship application, please book an appointment with one of our Careers Advisers.
If you have experienced, or are currently experiencing financial hardship, you are not alone, and you have support from Student Services and other professional service units at the University, like the Careers Centre.