York St John Student Support Fund

The term-time YSJ Student Support Fund is now closed and will open in the new academic year.

We understand that finances can be challenging and if you are financially struggling, here are some suggestions that may help improve your situation.

If you would like to contact the Student Funding Advice team to discuss your financial circumstances, please contact the team through the Student Hub or you can book onto one of online drop-in session.

Working full time over the summer

If you are looking for a part-time job the Careers team can help with this. Their Future You programme offers you a wide range of support, opportunities, and resources to help with employment and career planning. This includes workshops and events to help you find part-time work.

The Student Hub can signpost you to resources to help you succeed in job applications. You can also book an appointment to review your CV, meet with a Careers advisor to plan your future, or find information about upcoming events on our Handshake careers portal.

Log in to Handshake

Rent due over summer

If you are unable to pay your rent, we recommend contacting your accommodation provider as soon as possible to explain your financial situation. They may be able to offer alternative arrangements, such as an alternative payment plan. However, options can vary depending on the provider.

Unable to work

You may be unable to work over summer due to ill health, disability, caring responsibilities, or if you have dependent children. If you are unable to work over the summer, please contact the Student Funding Advice team to discuss your circumstances.

You can contact the team through the Student Hub or you can book onto one of online drop-in sessions.

Student bank accounts

You can open a student bank account, as these often include an interest-free overdraft facility. We recommend using the overdraft only as a short-term solution to help manage your finances over the summer, with the intention of repaying it once you receive your summer earnings or student finance payment in September. Having an overdraft available can also provide useful financial security as a safety net during term time.

It is important that you get the right student account for you and you can compare accounts by using the Money Saving Expert website.

Needing budgeting support

The University has subscribed to Blackbullion which is an award-winning financial wellbeing resource which offers free online advice to support you with money skills for life. Blackbullion has launched an app to help you manage your money with confidence by putting you in control. It will also provide you with insights and will suggest areas you can save, plus you can earn bullions which can be exchanged for prizes.

• Register on the Blackbullion website.
• Download Blackbullion Student Budgeting on the iOS App Store.
• Download Blackbullion Student Budgeting on the Google Play Store.

Food assistance available from YSJ

If you do find yourself in an unexpected situation without food, we can offer you emergency food assistance through a stock of non-perishable food and cleaning items. This support is designed to help relive immediate pressure during this difficult time. contact the team through the Student Hub or you can book onto one of online drop-in sessions.

Alternatively, the following links will confirm other support available in York.

• Door 84 Community Pantry
• York Food bank
• Salvation Army York Community Church 
• Trussell Trust
• York City Council

If you are not located in York, please visit the Trussell Trust website to find your local food bank.

Alternative shopping options

The apps below can help you to save money on your food.

• Too Good to Go: Find discounts on surplus food at local shops and restaurants.
• Olio: Pick up items that are no longer needed from people who live nearby.
• No Waste: Track, organise and manage the food in your home to reduce waste.
• Trolley.co.uk: Compare prices across supermarkets and save money on your everyday shopping.

Outstanding tuition fee payments

If you owe money to the University for tuition fees, please do contact the Finance team to discuss your financial circumstances and they will explain the options available.

You can contact the team through the Student Hub or you can call them on 01904 876452.