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Financial wellbeing support

We know that the cost of living crisis is having an impact on everyone.

To address the challenges ahead, we have put together a series of initiatives to support students and staff as part of our institutional response to the crisis.

This page brings together all the support we offer to help with rising food, transport, and utility prices, as well as ways to save money and make your budget go further.

It is part of an ongoing conversation about how we help students in these difficult times.

We’ll keep this page updated with any developments and additional support that may be available to help you.

Financial wellbeing supportFi
Money advice

Our Money Advice Team are here to help students on everything from banking, budgeting and student funding to money worries and the Student Support Fund. Speak confidentially with one of our money advisors.

Visit the money advice webpages to book an appointment

Student Support Fund

The Student Support Fund provides non-repayable discretionary awards and emergency support to assist students in financial difficulty, who might otherwise be at risk of leaving their course because of financial hardship. 

Visit the Student Support Fund webpages for more information. 

Financial support and advice

The Money Advice Team offer virtual and telephone appointments, which can be booked in advance. The team can offer guidance on all money-related matters including student funding, how to manage your personal finances and how to access the Student Support Fund.  

Food offers

We are ensuring that our outlets offer a daily hot meal for £1.50, as well as a range of other catering discounts across campus. Fruit is available, free of charge, throughout the semester at all EH Food areas including Garden 41, Roots, EH Market and the coffee truck. Simply ask a member of the team.

If you’re looking for ways to cut down on food bills and reduce food waste, there are a number of external services available:   

  • Too Good To Go, which Edge Hill is signed up to, lets you buy food from businesses that would otherwise go to waste.
  • Olio is where you will find people nearby who are giving away food to avoid it going to waste.
  • Approved Food sells food that is past its best before date (but not its use-by date) at reduced prices.

Travel

We support low-cost active travel and there are a number of walking and cycling routes to the campus, where we have secure bike storage and showers.  

Catch our free Edge Link bus in Ormskirk town centre for a direct link to campus, this is great if you live in Ormskirk or arrive at the town’s bus or train station. 

Free parking on campus is offered to permit holders and you could save money on fuel and maintenance through our car sharing scheme, which also gives you access to reserved priority parking. 

Commuter breakfasts

If you’re a commuter student, start your day right with a free hot drink and breakfast item every Tuesday and Thursday in Creative Edge between 8am and 9am.  

Health and wellbeing

We understand that the rise in living costs may be stressful or causing you additional anxiety. If you need additional support our Wellbeing and Student Support Team are here to help.

The team offer emotional and practical support including:

  • Maintaining your wellbeing and navigating student life 
  • Counselling and low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
  • Referring to GP services and other external health services 
  • Joining the on-campus Active Wellbeing Programme 

Contact the team or book an appointment online.

Staying active supports positive mental health and you can take advantage of a discounted student membership at Edge Hill Sport, where you will have access to all sports facilities on campus.

Free sanitary products are also available across campus. Check our EHSU webpages for more information about where our menstruation stations can be found across campus.

Student Job Bank and part-time jobs

The Careers Team are here to help you find a part-time job. The Careers Portal advertises many different types of opportunities for students with companies across the local area and further afield.

Or you can earn some extra cash and work on campus. There are a range of opportunities including Student Guides and Ambassadors and casual roles with departments across campus.

For further details visit the Careers webpages.

Student Opportunity Fund  

The Student Opportunity Fund (SOF) contributes financial support to help you take part in activities which enhance your employability, build your confidence and develop your transferable skills.

If you’re in your final year the SOF can also help cover the costs of attending an interview. If you have an upcoming interview or assessment day apply to the Student Opportunity Fund (SOF) for financial help to cover any related travel expenses which aren’t covered by the employer.

We also have a range of interview wear available, so you don’t need to splash out for the perfect interview outfit.

Visit the Student Opportunity Fund webpage for full details and to apply.

On-campus spaces, facilities and evening activities 

The University offers many inclusive social and extracurricular activities that are delivered in warm spaces. Visit the Student Life Portal to view activity and book onto events on campus.

The Arts Centre also has an extensive programme which offers free tickets for students.

Warm and welcoming library facilities in Catalyst

The Catalyst has a wide range of resources available 24 hours a day on campus in our warm and welcoming space.

Free laptop loans

If you don’t have the money to buy your own laptop, Catalyst has over 100 that you can borrow. All have access to the University network and online file storage, including most software available from the University. These can be loaned for up to two weeks, or you can request a longer-term loan.

Find out more about laptop loans.

Further advice and support

Citizens Advice has a range of advice and support on help with the cost of living.

West Lancashire Borough Council provides a cost of living online hub which includes advice on managing your money, energy bills and benefits advice. If you don’t live in the area, your local council will have similar information on their website.

MoneyHelper provides free, impartial help that is easy to use and is backed by the UK government. They have useful budgeting planning tools as well as other money health checks.

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis shares ideas for saving money, understanding your consumer rights, and highlights offers and discounts.

Working Families, the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers, shares cost of living advice and support that is targeted at families.

The Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt.