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Financial assistance for current students

Student life at uni - it's a mix of fun, frantic late night assignments and cramming, social interaction, exploring the unknown and learning lots, living away from home for the first time in some cases and discovering a new, independent side of yourself. It's also very commonly a time where your finances are stretched to the limit. Skint, broke, surviving on the smell of an oily rag, penniless - all accurate. However, there are ways to manage your money and get on top of it. You've just got to know what support is available and some tips on managing your money. We've got some things for you to think about in this space.

Financial counselling

Is your budget not working out like you planned? Struggling to save and not sure how to go about it? That’s okay! There are a range of free and confidential financial counselling services to help you get back on track. There are quite a few because...student life is tough at times and even though you might not realise it, a lot of students go through what you're going through. So reach out and get some support. 

 

Legal support

Maybe your financial stress is related to issues you're having with accommodation costs, employment rights, a car accident or legal charges you are facing? If so, UOW has a legal clinic that provides free, confidential legal advice to current students at UOW. If you need support or advice, get in touch and talk it through with them.

We could assume that seeing you're already at UOW, you are across your billing options of HECS/HELP loans for tuition and associated costs (including SSAF, accommodation and administrative fees), however just in case you're not, make sure to check out your options:

Just remember that depending on the category of student you are (undergraduate, postgraduate, international, etc.), there are different options and costs you need to consider. It is always best to know what you're in for. 

Costs of study and living

Textbooks, subscriptions, technology and equipment - you'll receive details about what you need in each of your subjects and as part of your degree when you start and as you progress through university. These costs can add up so make sure to use the resources below to educate yourself and assess what you'll need. 

 

Textbooks

Consider cost-saving options such as finding your textbooks second hand at the UOW Alumni Bookshop or on UOW Students Buy and Sell, 

General household and living (Goodwill Hunting)

Keep an eye out for the annual UOW Goodwill Hunting event - this is where you can get your hands on FREE household items ranging from crockery, cutlery, saucepans, bed linen, towels and more. It's all donated by the UOW community of staff, students and members of our UOW campus communities. 

Jobs on and off campus (UOW Careers & Employability)

There are many ways to seek out casual work within UOW and outside of it - you just need to get in with the Careers & Employability (formerly Careers Central) team who can prepare you for the workplace and increase your awareness of current job vacancies. 

They can also help you really focus on what happens after uni - your future career. Chat with the experts about where you want to go.

  • UOW Jobboard - the perfect place to start your search with listings for casual work, internships and vacation work, graduate programs and more. 
  • Jobs On Campus - make yourself stand out to employers (who have current vacancies) by becoming a member of the JOC talent pool
  • Book a Career Chat - if you're not sure what job suits you best now or in the future, or simply want to chat about how best to develop your resume and personal brand, why not chat to our experts at Careers & Employability? You can make an appointment and chat online or over the phone. 

Managing money as a student can be tough, we get it! Living the university life can come with a range of expenses from books, concert tickets, coffee, accommodation, tech, socialising and more. Learning techniques to save your hard-earned cash is essential for a uni student on a budget. Here are some resources to get you in the right mindset: