When you’re deciding which bank to choose, don’t just pick the one with the best free gift

• students on a low income
• students with children, especially single parents
• students previously in care
• disabled students
• mature students with existing financial commitments.

You can also get help from your university, as well as charitable trusts. Non-repayable bursaries, scholarships and awards are available for students who’d otherwise be unable to afford to study at this level. Contact your university to find out what’s on offer, whether you’re eligible and how to apply.

Meanwhile, if you find yourself in financial difficulty after your course has started, your university may be able to provide money from its hardship funds to assist you. Apply through your university’s support services.

Student bank accounts

Most high street banks, including Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Nationwide, Halifax, Lloyds Bank and Santander, have accounts aimed specifically at students and it’s a good idea to open one of these before starting your course.

To be accepted for a student bank account, you’ll need to have your university place confirmed – but once you have the evidence to prove this, you can make use of the benefits before starting your course.

While incentives such as student rail cards and other discounts are always welcome, the size of the 0% overdraft facility will prove to be the greatest help when money is tight. Read more