Funding and Money Management

We know money is one of the biggest sources of worry students can face at university.

University is often the first time that you are living away from home and managing your own money. There's a lot to learn, from what student loans and finance support you can get, sorting out a budget and knowing where to go if you're in financial hardship. That's where our Student Money Advisors within the Student Life team can help.

Our Student Money Advisors can offer advice and guidance around:

We've gathered some useful resources on this page to help get you started. Don't forget you can contact our Student Money Advisors to find out more, on SMART@derby.ac.uk 

Useful tips for managing your money

Whether you’re facing unexpected costs, want to learn how to stretch your student loan further, or are simply looking for guidance on what financial help you might be eligible for, we’re here to support you. Have a look through the information below to learn more.

If you're a UK home student and are in financial difficulty there are a number of sources of support available for you.

The Student Support Agency can help you find temporary and part-time work that can fit around your academic study.

If you have not received the maximum student funding available and your circumstances have significantly changed you may be entitled to have your Student Loan and maintenance grant reassessed. You can find out more about this at gov.uk.

You may be entitled to financial assistance from the University's Discretionary Support Fund (DSF). You can find more details about this on the Student Services Unihub pages

It's a good idea to speak to the Student Money Advisors if you need some help. You can email them at smart@derby.ac.uk 

If you're an international student and you're in financial difficulty you can find advice and guidance at UKCISA.

Webinar: Undergraduate Student Funding

Robert Fowler, our Senior Student Money Advisor, talks you through the finance options available for your first degree.

Senior Student Money Advisor Robert Fowler talks you through the finance options available for your first degree.

View Webinar: How Undergraduate Student Finance works video transcript

Close up of fingers typing on a computer keyboard

Get in Touch

You can email the Student Money Advisers directly on SMART@derby.ac.uk. If you would prefer to call or speak to someone in person, please follow the link below.

Find our contact details and opening hoursFind our contact details and opening hours

Meet the Team

Our friendly Student Money Advisers can assist with any query you may have about finances. See below for who's who:

Name Title
Rob Fowler Senior Student Money Adviser
Elaine Lovatt Student Money Adviser
Sarah Wootton Student Money Adviser