Money and Mental Health – Money Week 2024

The relationship between money and mental health can be a complicated one.

We know that money worries can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing, and the pressures of managing your money on a tight student budget can be very stressful. We also know that the state of our mental health can make it harder to get on top of our finances and make the best choices with our money – it can be quite a vicious cycle.

Let’s face it, spending has never been so easy, one tap of your phone and it’s done. But, the unfortunate reality is that loans for living costs are not rising in line with the cost of living, and as a result many students will be left short, and will experience feelings of stress and anxiety, as they struggle to make ends meet. For those already living with mental health difficulties, this can feel even more overwhelming.

Help and advice at University

The Student Advice Service are here to help you take back control of your financial health, which we hope will, in turn, help to relieve some of the pressure on your mental health. We can help you make sure you are receiving your full funding entitlement, work out a manageable budget, guide you if you need to talk to a creditor, liaise with private landlords or letting agents, give advice on avoiding scams, and help you apply for additional support via university hardship funding.

The university also offers a large number of resources specifically focussed on supporting students with their mental wellbeing, and we would encourage you to register with the Wellbeing Service if you feel you could benefit, either with day to day or more focussed support, including accessing the university Counselling Service.

Help and advice outside the University

Some external support options also include the charity Student Minds, who empower students to make good choices around their own mental health, and the Money Saving Expert, who have produced a brilliant booklet on Money and Mental Health.

Extra financial support

The university has a range of hardship funds for different students in different situations. Please take the time to look at  the university hardship funds and see if any apply to you. Each has its own set criteria so please read though each description and take a look at the student guidance before making an application. You can also talk to a Student Adviser in confidence about your situation at any time.

Evidence based assessments are made on a case by case basis, but a standard formula is applied to ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants.

Contact Student Advice 

The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can help you get back on track. You can email us on studentadvice@brighton.ac.uk, call us on 01273 642888, Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm, or in-person and MS Teams appointments are available on request.

We are here for you

Student Advice