Your Path to University
A Student’s Guide to Finances and Wellbeing
We’re Here to Support You!
Starting university brings new opportunities and experiences. At the University of Chester, there’s a whole team here to support your financial, academic and social wellbeing, from day one.
This guide shows what support is available and how we can help you make the most of your time at university. Studying for a degree is an investment in your future, and we’re committed to making sure Chester is welcoming, inclusive and accessible.
If you are a student with special circumstances, you may want to discuss how we can support you before you arrive. You can email studentservices@chester.ac.uk for more information.
Our Top Tips
Five tips to make your student budget go further
Try and budget as soon as you know how much you’ll receive from Student Finance; take into consideration rent, travel and food. You don’t need to spend a fortune on new devices or books. We have a range of computers available and laptops you can loan across our sites for free, as well as access to thousands of books, e-books and e-journals.
Open a student bank account. Banks offer lots of perks to students to get them to sign up, such as free overdrafts, cash or railcards.
Check for student discounts on everyday essentials. Use TOTUM, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans, but only buy what you need!
Buy a railcard. If you’re considering travelling by train or exploring the north west then buy a railcard, you’ll get 1/3 off train fares.
Five tips for settling into university life
If you can, visit your location of study before you start to get to know the area. It’s great to have knowledge of the nearest transport links, supermarkets and other amenities you’ll be using.
Join our offer holder community and start to make connections before you start university.
Get cooking! It’s worth having a few simple go-to recipes ready for autumn term and it might be a great way to chat to people in your accommodation!
Research sports and societies here at Chester, there is something for everyone. You can find out more on our socials.
Whether you’re commuting or staying in accommodation, we encourage you to take full advantage of everything campus life offers. We’ll be in touch over the coming months with plenty of information so you’re ready to embrace all the opportunities available.
Academic Wellbeing
Personal Tutoring
The University has a personal tutoring system managed by your academic area. A personal tutor will offer academic guidance, support monitoring of your progress and attendance throughout your studies, and liaise with academic and professional services staff to ensure you have additional student support should you need this whilst you are on your course. During Welcome Week you will be given specific information and guidance about the personal tutoring system in your School. chester.ac.uk/paa
Academic Skills
As you transition to university, you may find that you need some support to help build your confidence and develop essential academic skills. Our Academic Skills and Maths and Statistics Advisers are here to help you develop the skills you’ll rely on every day, including critical thinking, clear and persuasive writing, group work, time management, statistical analysis and much more! chester.ac.uk/academic-skills
Disability and Inclusion
We’re here to support disabled students. Sharing your needs early with the Disability and Inclusion team can help us provide tailored Inclusion Plans and reasonable adjustments. You may also be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which funds specialist equipment and support at no cost. With the right support in place, disabled students can thrive academically while protecting their health and wellbeing. chester.ac.uk/inclusion
Scan here to listen to ‘The Skills Pod’ podcast, where our Academic Skills team give hints and tips to help you during your academic journey.
Financial Wellbeing
Top Tip
If you need advice about managing your money or learning how to budget, contact our Student Money Advisers.
Student Finance
There are things you need to do to prepare for financing your full-time or part-time studies.
• Tuition Fee Loans cover the full cost of your course, and you won’t have to pay it back until after your degree, when you’re earning above a certain amount.
• Maintenance Loans can help cover your living costs and are based on household income.
You can apply for these now through the government website or find out more at: chester.ac.uk/finance
For more information on the additional support on offer, including the Student Support Fund, Disabled Students’ Allowance and Dependants’ Grant, please visit: chester.ac.uk/student-support
Contact: studentservices@chester.ac.uk 01244 511550
Bursaries
We have several bursaries available to eligible part-time or full-time students, including for students who are care experienced, estranged from their families, have caring responsibilities or are members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater communities. chester.ac.uk/bursaries
Living Costs
We have lots of accommodation options in Chester to fit your preferred budget and location, priced from £113.40* per week with a range of facilities including en-suite, fully catered, self-catering, communal areas and studios. For more information and details of how to apply, please visit: chester.ac.uk/accommodation
Commuting Students
Lots of students choose to commute: to save money, to be near family, to keep a part-time job or simply because they like their home comforts. If you’re considering living at home and commuting, visit: chester.ac.uk/commuting-students
Contact Student Services online:
*2026/7 prices, may be subject to change
Social Wellbeing
Top Tip
Update your CV now, so you’re ready to apply for jobs when you arrive.
Student Support
Student Services offer information, advice, and guidance to all students and are on hand to help with concerns about any aspect of your life. From wellbeing and mental health, disability and inclusion, counselling and money advice, to 24/7 helpline support from a therapist via our dedicated Student Assistance Programme, we provide quality support to ensure you have an enriching and enjoyable experience at Chester, visit: chester.ac.uk/student-support
Chaplaincy
Our multi-faith Chaplaincy is a safe and welcoming space for people of all faiths and none. Based in the Community Hub at Exton Park, the team offers quiet spaces, creative areas and wellbeing gardens, plus online support and weekly activities. They’re here to listen and provide pastoral support whenever you need it. chester.ac.uk/chaplaincy
Travel
Our University sites are all well connected to main roads, bus routes and train stations. This enables all our students to have easy access to transport and supports our commuting students too. If you like to get around by
bike, we have cycle storage facilities at all our sites. There is limited parking on-site, which requires parking permits that are renewed on an annual basis and are free to use.
chester.ac.uk/travel-and-transport
Socialising
Making connections is key to your wellbeing, and our student-friendly locations offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy downtime on a budget. Enjoy activities like bowling, the cinema, crazy golf, coffee shops, and food spots, or join Chester Students’ Union societies. If you prefer the outdoors, explore the North Wales countryside, Wirral beaches, and Chester’s rich history. visitcheshire.com/chester
Earn While You Learn
Many students choose or need to work alongside their studies, which can help with finances, build confidence, and gain valuable experience. Through Unijob, students can be employed by the University in flexible roles across campus, and we work with local employers to source part-time paid work. Opportunities are advertised on CareerHub, the university jobs board, and you can access tools like an AI CV writer to help you. Look out for the part-time jobs fair in autumn too! chester.ac.uk/ewyl
Get Involved
Top Tip
Shop second hand and vintage –it keeps spending down and is a more sustainable way of buying.
Join Our Offer Holder Community
We’ve created an exclusive online community to help you connect with other offer holders who may have an offer for the same course, be requesting the same accommodation, or share similar hobbies or interests.
Whether you’re feeling excited about what’s ahead or a little overwhelmed, this community is a great place to start building connections before you even arrive at the University of Chester. It’s all about making the transition smoother, easier, and more fun – so jump in, introduce yourself, and get ready to make the most of this exciting time!
It’s easy, secure and fast to join:
Visit Us
We’re hosting Applicant Days over the coming weeks, where you can speak to knowledgable staff and students, view facilities and get all your questions answered. We also run regular Campus Tours, to get an overview of our Exton Park campus in Chester.
Book your Applicant Day place: chester.ac.uk/applicant-days
If your parents and supporters are keen to keep up-to-date with key information about setting you up for success, they can get regular updates from us by visiting our website and submitting a few details on the parents page. Scan here to find out more.
