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Overview

There are certain costs that may arise in your final year, and it’s also when you’ll likely start to plan for the future, so it’s a good idea to understand when you might need to pay for things and how much you’ll need. 

Our timeline pinpoints important times for you to think about your income and outgoing expenses, and when the deadlines are. 

The timeline starts in September, at the beginning of your final year.

September

Paying tax

If you’re planning on getting a job whilst studying, make sure you pay the right amount of tax. 

Create a housing inventory

Whether you're living in university accommodation or private housing, it's worth taking some time to create an inventory (a list of items and their condition when you moved in) and take pictures of your house/flat. It could save you some money in the long run when it comes to making sure you get your deposit back.

Share utility bills when you move in

If you’re sharing a house, all of you should be responsible for the utility costs. Make sure you take readings when you move in so you only pay for what you've used. Bills may be included in some accommodation (including University of Sheffield accommodation), in which case you don't need to worry about taking readings.

First student loan instalment of final year (undergraduate and postgraduate taught)

If you’ve successfully applied for student finance, the first student loan instalment will be paid three to five days after you register.

For more information and how to check your payment status, check the .

Stipend payment (postgraduate research)

If you’re a postgraduate research student and receive a stipend, you must be fully registered in order to receive your first payment. Make sure you’ve completed all your registration tasks and added your bank details.

Once you've registered, you'll be paid once every three months, on the first of each month.

Reassess your budget

Check your budget to make sure you're all set for your final year by using our . 

October

If your funding is delayed

If you experience a delay in your funding, it's really important to let us know as soon as possible, particularly if you have an accommodation payment due.

You'll still be able to register and the University may be able to help you in the short-term if your funds are delayed. The  can help you check everything is in place to get your funding sorted as quickly as possible.

Council Tax exemption

If you’re a full-time student, you’re exempt from paying Council Tax. The quickest way to obtain a Council Tax exemption certificate is by using our student document self-serve. Find out more information online:

(student login required)

Student discount

A student card opens a whole world of discounts. From reduced bus fares to cheap haircuts, make sure you ask everywhere you go if they offer student discounts.

University of Sheffield Bursary Scheme (undergraduate)

We'll email you by the beginning of November to confirm whether you're eligible for a University of Sheffield Bursary or not. Refer to our (student login required) if you have any queries.

Participation Grant

If you want to get involved with sports or societies, check if you are eligible for the (student login required) and apply.

Book travel in advance

Cheap train tickets are usually released 12 weeks in advance.

If you're travelling home at Christmas via train, book your travel now to save on the cost. You may also want to check whether it’s possible to travel via coach, as there are often great deals on these journeys.

November

Considering postgraduate study?

Lots of postgraduate open days and information fairs take place during November. Make a note of any application and scholarship deadlines that you don't want to miss.

Get support with your finances

November can be a time when students start to run out of money. Our money saving tips might be helpful. 

Our financial health check page can also help you review your finances and better understand how you’re managing your money.

If you're starting to run low on funds, get in touch with the  in the Students' Union. They can help you look at your budget and make sure you're accessing all of the funds you're eligible for.

December

Confirm childcare costs

If you’re receiving a Childcare Grant this year, make sure you’ve approved any requests for payment for this term. Refer to the for more information.

Christmas ideas

Check out . In particular, make sure you’ve worked out your budget carefully before you start buying presents: consider making a pre-Christmas 'no-unnecessary-present' pact with friends or organise a 'Secret Santa' with a capped amount. 

January 

Unwanted Christmas presents?

Did you receive anything for Christmas that you don’t want or need? There are a range of sites online where you can advertise and sell items that you no longer want or need. Money Saving Expert provide some .

Second student loan instalment (undergraduate and postgraduate taught)

If you’ve successfully applied for student finance, the second student loan instalment will be paid after the Christmas vacation.

Check postgraduate funding

If you're considering studying a postgraduate course, it's a good idea to look into the funding as early as possible. 

Much like undergraduate awards, postgraduate awards usually have deadlines so it's a good idea to make a note of any you want to apply for and when their deadlines are.

If you’re staying with us in Sheffield, you can find out more about the awards available on .

February 

Book Easter travel early

Cheap train tickets are usually released 12 weeks in advance. If you're travelling home at Easter via train, book your travel now to save on the cost. You may also want to check whether it’s possible to travel via coach, as there are often great deals on these journeys.

March

Confirm childcare costs

If you’re receiving a Childcare Grant this year, make sure you’ve approved any requests for payment for this term. Refer to the for more information.

Apply for jobs

The end of uni is quickly approaching. Whether you’re considering further study or applying for graduate jobs, make the most of our  (student login required).

There is an Equal Opportunities Fund for current students, where, if you meet the Equal Opportunities eligibility criteria, you can apply for up to £300 per academic year to reimburse expenses incurred when taking part in an opportunity that develops your employability.

(student login required)

In addition, current students who have worries about affording formal clothing for upcoming job interviews, assessment centres, or a new job can get a free referral to The Suit Works, a Sheffield not-for-profit organisation that offers free outfits from their huge range of pre-loved formal wear, with clothes for all shapes, sizes, and tastes. Just drop into the Employability and Placements Hub in the Students’ Union, where staff will help you with the referral.

Walk instead of ride

Now the weather should be improving, you may want to consider walking to the University instead of paying for transport. 

You can use our to earn points for travelling to the University by foot, and exchange these for rewards.

Get support with your final year finances

If you receive student finance, you'll get slightly less maintenance loan this year (because student stops paying you after the last day of term, as outlined on ) so you may start to run out of money. If your funds are running low, don't panic - get in touch with the  in the Students' Union, who can help you look at your budget and make sure you're accessing all of the funds you're eligible for.

April 

Plan for graduation

If you’re graduating this summer, remember there are things you'll need to pay for to attend, including tickets, robes, and pictures. Work the costs into your budget so it's not a shock when summer arrives.

Final student loan instalment (undergraduate and postgraduate taught)

If you’ve successfully applied for student finance, the final student loan instalment will be paid shortly after Easter.

Remember, as an undergraduate, you'll get slightly less Maintenance Loan than in previous years. If you're facing hardship due to unexpected costs, you may want to seek (student login required) from the University.

May

Apply for postgraduate funding

If you’re an undergraduate student and want to continue on to postgraduate study, applications for student finance for full-time postgraduate students usually open around May, if you’re eligible. 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, you can apply for  as part of your application.

June

Confirm childcare costs

If you’re receiving a Childcare Grant this year, make sure you’ve approved any requests for payment for this term. Refer to the for more information.

Split your utility bills when you move out

If you’re sharing a house, all of you are responsible for the utility costs. Make sure you take readings when you move out and pay the balance between you.

TV Licence refund 

If you’ve paid for your TV Licence for a full year but move out during the summer, you can apply for a refund for the months your accommodation will be empty. For more information, consult the .

Sell things you no longer need

Now it's nearly time for your student days to come to an end, make some money by selling things you won't need any more, such as used text books. Money Saving Expert provide some .

Claim benefits you're entitled to

Once you've finished your course, you may be able to claim some benefits. The government signposts to some that will give you a good idea what you might be eligible for.

July

Understand your loan

Make sure you understand how your student loan works and when you're going to start repaying it. The will help you get your head around it, if you haven't already.

August

Reclaim your money

When your accommodation contract has officially come to an end, check that you haven't overpaid for utilities and that you've got your house deposit back.