FAQs

As a full-time student, you normally can’t apply for benefits, but there can be some exceptions. Turn2Us has some information on a few key benefits. If you need additional help, you may want to check the UK government's website, or check our list of external resources for more information.

Depending on whether you’re a UK or international student, the amount of time you can work in the UK while studying, and whether you can work at all while in the UK, can be different. Most students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full-time during university vacation periods. Check our page on part-time work for more information.

The easiest way to get help with your energy bills is to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. There are some great comparison websites you can use to find the best deals. If your landlord pays your energy provider directly, then you won’t be able to change your provider yourself. Save the Student has a fantastic post dedicated to energy bills and how to reduce your cost.

Universal credit is a monthly payment given to UK residents to help with living payments if you find yourself out of work or on low income. Usually, full-time students cannot receive this, but there are some exceptions. Check out the UK government website for the full list and see if you can apply.

Thankfully, if you live in a household where everyone is a full-time student, you do not need to pay for council tax. If you’re not all students, you will still receive a council tax bill, but you may qualify for a discount.

There are a few ways you can get additional money while studying. Firstly, if you’re able to, you could try and find a part-time job to help top up your bank balance. You could also find additional financial aid, or check out our list of scholarships and bursaries for UK students, or if you’re an international student, we have a separate list you can check out.

Typically, a student can work up to 20 hours per week while studying as a full-time student, or full-time during university vacation periods. Depending on your visa, international students could have the opportunity to work as well. Our study and work page provides more information on whether you can or can’t work while studying in the UK.

As of 1 April 2023, the National Minimum Wage is as follows:

• Age 18-20 - £7.49 per hour
• Age 21-22 - £10.18 per hour
• Age 23+ - £10.42 per hour

As a student, you have several great benefits you can receive to stretch your budget at university further. Our online and local discount page provides greater details on what you can apply for and what you can receive as a student.

There are plenty of great ways you can save money as a student. You should always create a budget for yourself, so you know exactly how much you can spend each month – a budget calculator is a quick and easy way to work this out. You can also have a look at our list of external resources, all of which provide great ideas on how to save money.

You need a TV licence if you watch any form of live TV on your own television or computer. This includes all UK TV channels, as well as live programmes on the likes of Amazon Prime, NOW and YouTube. You also need a TV licence if you watch BBC iPlayer, either live or recorded shows. You do not need a TV licence if you purely watch on-demand streaming from the likes of Disney Plus and Netflix. For more information on TV licences and whether you need one, check out the TV licence website.

How much you need to live off each month depends on your circumstances. Each city has different rent costs, and the amount you spend on entertainment, food and drink can also be affected. You will have to use budgeting tools and other resources available to see how much you can afford each month and make sure you don’t run out of money.

As a full-time international student you are limited to the amount of hours you can work in the UK, and some student visas may not allow you to work at all. Please check our study and work page for more information.

If you are a full-time student already claiming housing benefits, you may be able to continue to claim housing benefits if you fit within certain conditions. Although, if you have yet to make a claim, you will not be able to claim it as a student. You may be able to claim other financial aid if you need it.