Money

Budgeting sounds serious, but it’s really just a way of making sure your money lasts through the week, month, or term.

Creating your budget

• 1. Calculate your income: Include student loans, part-time job earnings, scholarships, and any family contributions.

• 2. List your expenses: Account for rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, course materials, and personal spending.

• 3. Differentiate between needs and wants: Prioritise essential expenses over unnecessary spending.

• 4. Set spending limits: Allocate specific amounts for each category to avoid overspending.

• 5. Review and adjust regularly: Monitor your budget monthly and make necessary adjustments.

These budgeting tools and courses are provided by Blackbullion. You can use them for free – just sign in with your Hallam email address:

• Budget decision tree - helps you balance your income and expenses.
• Budget calculator tool - understand where your money is being spent.
• Budgeting 101 pathway - find out what budgeting style suits you.

There are plenty of free resources that can make budgeting easier. Whether you want an app to track your spending or a template to plan your finances, there is something to suit every style.

Apps:

These are popular, easy-to-use apps that help you track spending and build better money habits.

• Emma - Connects to your bank accounts and shows you where your money goes each month. It categorises spending, flags subscriptions and can help you spot waste.

• Monzo or Starling (banking apps with built-in budgeting) - These mobile banks offer spending summaries, savings pots, and instant alerts when you make a payment.

• Plum - Automatically sets aside small amounts of money based on your spending habits. It also shows you ways to cut costs on bills.

Online Budgeting Tools:

Prefer using a laptop or desktop? These free online tools and planners are easy to use and don't require downloading anything.

• Save the Student Budget Calculator - Designed for UK students, this calculator helps you plan based on your income and term-time costs.

• Money Helper Budget Planner - A detailed, government-backed planner that helps you build a full monthly budget, with optional account login to save progress.

• Save the Student Budget Calculator - A quick, student-focused tool for working out where your money is going.

Tools from Sheffield Hallam:

• Blackbullion Budgeting Tool - Hallam students get free access to Blackbullion, a financial education platform. Use their budget calculator or take a short course on managing money. Sign in with your SHU email to get started.

Top tips when using budgeting tools:

• Set a weekly or monthly review time to check your progress
• Be honest with yourself about spending habits
• Categorise your spending (food, rent, travel, social, etc.)
• Use app alerts to help you stay within limits

Every student has a different financial reality. These tips are here to support you if you're juggling travel, work, caring or family responsibilities alongside your studies.

Commuters

Commuting is often cheaper than moving out, but travel costs can build up.

Save more by:

• Getting a travel pass: student tram, bus, or 16–25 railcards can cut regular costs
• Travelling off-peak when possible to get cheaper fares
• Packing meals instead of buying food on the go

Read our money saving tips on travel

Student Parents

Balancing family life with studying is no small task — budgeting can help ease the load.

Top tips:

• Include childcare in your budget from the start
• Plan weekly meals to avoid waste and keep food costs down
• Look for family discounts and free activities wherever possible

Extra support:

• Childcare grant and parents' learning allowance (through Student Finance).
• Student Success Scholarship - extra funding for eligible students to help with the cost of university life.

Student Carers

Caring for someone can affect your time, income, and mental energy.

Try to:

• Track extra costs like phone use, food or transport related to your caring role
• Apply for support early if your caring role is formally recognised
• Set realistic goals around part-time work and study time

Extra support:

• SHU Support for Student Carers - Support and guidance for students balancing university with parenting or caring responsibilities.
• Carers allowance (if eligible) - You could get £83.30 a week if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

Part-Time Workers

Working during uni helps your income, but can strain your time and energy.

Budget smarter by:

• Working out your average income if your hours change week to week
• Covering fixed costs first like rent and bills
• Saving small amounts regularly to build a buffer for quiet work periods

Explore 'Money Skills' at SHU

Thinking ahead helps you stay in control of your finances. Planning for regular and one-off costs across the year means fewer surprises and less stress.

Add key dates to your calendar

• Student loan payment dates
• Rent and utility bills
• Start of each semester (extra costs like books or travel)
• Placement periods (upfront travel or clothing)
• Reading weeks or holiday travel
• Social events or seasonal spending (e.g. birthdays, Christmas)

Set reminders on your phone or calendar so you're never caught off guard.

Find out your student loan payment dates

View Hallam's term dates

Build a mini emergency fund

Even saving £2–£5 a week adds up and can help when something unexpected pops up.

• Use saving pots in Monzo or Starling
• Try a “no spend” week or reduce takeaways
• Aim for £100–£200 if you can

Make a monthly money plan

Each month try to:

• Review your outgoings
• Note one-off costs coming up
• Adjust your budget as needed
• Check in with your savings goal

Download 'My Student Budget Planner'

It’s easy to overspend when you’re managing money on your own, maybe for the first time. The good news is there are smart ways to stay in control and avoid borrowing more than you can manage.

Know your spending triggers

Everyone has spending habits. The key is recognising yours.

Start by knowing what triggers your spending - maybe it’s boredom scrolling, saying yes to every social invite, or splitting costs with mates and losing track. Once you spot the patterns, you can make smarter choices.

Watch out for “Buy Now, Pay Later” schemes

BNPL services like Klarna, Clearpay and Laybuy make it easy to spend money you don’t have.

They make it feel like you’re not spending real money, but repayments still count as debt, can hurt your credit score, and often come with late fees. If something isn’t essential, save up or look for a discount or second-hand version instead.

Avoid the 'tap trap'

Contactless payments and one-click checkouts can also lead to what’s called the “tap trap” - spending without thinking. Try switching to cash for a few days or set spending alerts in your banking app to stay aware of what’s going out.

DON'T IGNORE DEBT!!!

And if you’re already in debt, you’re not alone - but don’t ignore it. Prioritise your rent, bills and essentials, and reach out for support early.

Where to get help:

• Talk to SHU’s Student Funding Team
• Get in touch with our Student Advice Centre
• Check out MoneyHelper’s free debt advice

Plan for fun

Remember: budgeting doesn’t mean missing out. Plan for fun too - set aside a little for socialising, explore free events, or host nights in with friends. You don’t have to spend loads to enjoy student life!

See our guide to free and cheap things to do in Sheffield

These platforms are your go-to for grabbing those sweet student discounts. We're talking top brands, everyday essentials, and all the treats you deserve. Dive in and see how much you can save!

• UNiDays: Free to join with your student email. Get discounts on fashion, tech, food, and loads more.

• Student Beans: Another top discount site. Includes exclusive offers from brands like Gymshark, Amazon Prime, and Prezzybox.

• TOTUM: Your essential student discount card and app, offering hundreds of exclusive savings, cashback opportunities, and optional government-approved proof-of-age ID.

• NUS Card: Access a huge range of student discounts on your everyday stuff, tech, fashion, food, travel and more.

• Mixr: Like a Tesco Clubcard - but for the pub! Sign up with your student email, claim your free drink, get discounts on food and drink and earn rewards at the same time.

• Voucher Codes for Students: You can get access to exclusive student offers for loads of big-name brands. All codes are updated daily so you can always be sure you’re getting the best student savings possible!

Local restaurants and cafes often offer student discounts – always ask and have your student ID handy! A few Sheffield favourites include:

Pubs & Clubs

• FirePit Rocks - 30% off everything.

• Tiger Works - Follow their Instagram for regular student deals.

• Molly Malones - Claim your Spirit of Doublin = £3.95 pints & doubles every day.

• The Nursery Tavern - Grab a Tav Card for daily food & drink discounts.

• Steinhaus - Free entry + drink deals every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Bars & Restaurants

• Revolution - 40% off food, 2-for-1 cocktails and more with the Revolution app.

• Bungalows and Bears - 20% off Sunday to Friday.

• Terrace Goods - 50% off Detroit pizza every Thursday.

• Church: Temple of Fun - 10% off Mon–Thurs.

• True Brew North Co - 20% off across multiple venues (and venue exclusive discounts) with a Pledge card.

Cafe's & Study Spaces

• Cambridge St Collective - Lunch deals, bottomless tea/coffee and cocktail deals.

• HYGGE 32 - 50% off all day Sundays.

• Gaard Coffee - 15% off everything.

• Forge Bakehouse - 10% off everything.

• Steam Yard 10% off food and drink.

Want even more tasty deals? Download the Hallam SU app for a full list of exclusive food and drink discounts across Sheffield.

Make the most of student life in Sheffield with exclusive deals on activities, entertainment, and experiences:

• Golf Fang - From £7.50, Sunday to Thursday.

• Roxy Ball Room - Discounted games (like Crazy Pool, Tech Darts, etc.) and drinks offers, Sunday to Wednesday.

• Showroom Cinema - Cine26 members get £6 tickets for any film, any day.

• TenPin Sheffield - Bowling from just £3.80, Sunday to Friday

• Student Art Pass - The £10 pass gets you discounted or free access to 100s of UK museums, galleries & exhibitions.

• Hotpod Yoga - Email a photo of your student ID sheffield@hotpodyoga.com to for 20% off sessions.

Ready for more fun without the full price tag? Download the Hallam SU app for a full list of student-friendly activities, entertainment, and experience deals happening across Sheffield.

Student status = serious tech perks. Save on laptops, software, and streaming services with these top deals:

• Apple Education Store - Discounted Macs, iPads & accessories (often with bonus freebies).

• Microsoft Student Discount - Free Office 365 and device discounts.

• Adobe Creative Cloud - Up to 70% off all apps and 6 months of Adobe Express Premium free.

• Amazon Prime Student - 6 months free, then 50% off (includes Prime Video & Music).

• HP Student Store - Up to 40% off laptops, bundles and free shipping.

• Software4Students - Year-round software savings on top brands.

• Apple Music - £5.99/month with student ID + free Apple TV+.

• Spotify Premium - Premium for just £5.99/month.

Need a wardrobe refresh on a budget? Flash your student ID at these spots for exclusive savings—from high street names to vintage gems.

High Street Brands at Meadowhall

• Diesel - 10% off.

• Lacoste - 20% off.

• Tommy Hilfiger - 10% off.

View all student deals and offers at Meadowhall

Vintage & Independent Stores

• Glass Onion - 15% off.

• Good Good Vintage - 10% off.

• White Rose Sheffield - 15% off.

Remember: always ask if there’s a student discount - even if it’s not advertised. Loads of places offer hidden deals, and a quick ask could save you more than you think!

Looking for more ways to save while you shop? Get the Hallam SU app and browse the full list of student discounts on fashion, essentials, and hidden gems across the city.

Getting around doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some of the best ways to save on travel as a Hallam student:

Buses (Stagecoach & First Bus)

• Get unlimited travel across Sheffield or South Yorkshire with student bus passes (weekly, monthly or termly).
• Buy passes via First Bus app or Stagecoach app – just verify your student status.

Travel South Yorkshire Student tickets and passes

Stagecoach student tickets and passes

Train Travel

• Grab a 16–25 Railcard (or Mature Student version) for 1/3 off train fares (even off-peak and long-distance trips).
• You can link it to your rail app or train account for online bookings.

National Coach Travel

• Use National Express or Megabus for cheap trips to other cities.
• Student discount codes available on UNiDAYS, TOTUM, or directly through their sites.

Cycling in Sheffield

• Cycle parking is available at both campuses, and refurbished bikes can sometimes be bought via local schemes.
• Plan your route using the Sheffield City Council cycle maps.

Parking

• Use the Sheffield Hallam parking guide for information on where to park, including campus car parks and nearby options.
• Sheffield Park and Ride network offers eight convenient tram, bus, and train‑linked sites around the city - providing free (or low‑cost) parking with reliable transit into the centre.

Events. Tickets. Discounts. City guides. Top tips. Everything you need, all in one place.

1. Access discounts - Get your hands on the best discounts for clubs, shopping, travel, and more!

2. Explore the city - Use our handy city guide and map to find Sheffield's best student spots, from bars and clubs to green spaces and coffee shops.

3. Plan your welcome - Explore our full Welcome line-up, grab your tickets, and schedule your first few weeks with our handy planner.

4. Stay connected - Get the latest news and updates and never miss an exciting opportunity again.

Download the Hallam SU app

Paid Roles:

• President & Officer Roles: Represent students and lead the Union’s work across key areas.
• Lead Reps: Support Course Reps and raise student issues in high-level meetings.
• Marketing & Communications Assistant: Create content and support student engagement campaigns.
• Outreach & Engagement Assistant: Provide frontline support, run campaigns, and signpost services.
• Social Connectors: Offer peer wellbeing support and help students feel connected.
• Community Organisers: Advocate for student rights and lead campaigns on liberation and inclusion.
• Student Community Assistants: Promote SU services and events across campus.
• Campaigns Assistant (short-term): Support student-led campaigns and advocacy projects.

Voluntary Roles:

• Course Reps: Gather feedback from students to help improve their course.
• Cost of Living Shop Volunteers: Help run the Community Fridge and Swap Shop.
• Society President: Lead your society and guide the committee.
• Society Treasurer: Manage your society’s budget and funding.
• Society Secretary: Handle admin, event bookings, and communication.
• Health & Safety Officer: Oversee society safety and risk assessments.

Find out more about roles at HSU

Lead Rep (Paid)

Lead Reps support Course Reps across their department and raise wider student issues in meetings with senior staff. You’ll be trained and supported by the Students' Union – no experience needed, just passion for improving student life.

• Great for: confidence-building, communication, and influencing change.
• Paid, flexible role alongside your studies.

Find out more about Lead Reps

SU Officer (Paid, Full-Time)

Officers are elected by students to represent key groups (like each college, international students, or wellbeing). They lead campaigns, sit on university boards, and shape what the SU focuses on throughout the year.

• Perfect for: final-years or postgrads looking to lead and get stuck in full-time after studying.
• Full-time, paid role for one academic year (2026/27 applications open early 2026).

Find out more about HSU Officers

No current vacancies

Please check back soon, we update our 'work with us' page regularly.

Need help planning your future?

Whether you're job hunting, applying for placements, or unsure where to start, SHU Careers are here for you. They offer expert guidance and resources to support your career journey - at uni and beyond.

Here’s what you can access:

• 1:1 careers advice appointments (online or in person)
• CV and application checks
• Interview preparation and mock interviews
• Career fairs and employer events
• Help finding part-time work, internships, and graduate roles
• Specialist support for international students, disabled students, and postgrads

You can access SHU Careers support throughout your studies and for up to five years after you graduate.

Explore the SHU Careers Hub

Placements are a great way to gain hands-on experience in your industry while you study.

Whether you're looking for a short-term placement, a sandwich year, or a summer internship, SHU Careers can help you find the right opportunity and support you every step of the way.

You can get help with:

• Finding and applying for placements
• Writing your CV and cover letters
• Preparing for interviews
• Making the most of your placement once you’re there

Most undergraduate courses offer the option to do a placement year – speak to your Employability Adviser or course team for guidance.

Explore placement guidance

Campus jobs are only for Sheffield Hallam students, and as they are on campus you'll probably be working somewhere you know. For most campus jobs you do not need any previous experience. They are advertised on Handshake. You can follow our campus jobs account on Handshake to receive alerts when a job is available.

Popular roles include:

• Student Ambassadors - Ambassadors are always needed for open days, job fairs, Clearing, graduation events, and lots more. There are specialist ambassador roles for those who speak different languages, have digital skills or are great at social media and marketing.
• Student Assistants - Assisting with enrolment, supporting the IT team, helping out at events, working in facilities or catering outlets.
• Casual Research Assistants - working on research projects, usually related to your course/department interests. Attracting a higher rate of pay, these roles are great to hone your research skills.

An overview of common roles that suit students, including:

• Retail and hospitality (e.g. shops, cafés, bars)
• On-campus jobs (e.g. SU roles, student ambassador)
• Admin and office work
• Event or promotional work
• Tutoring and freelance gigs

No experience? No problem! Advice for students with little or no work history:

• Focus on transferable skills (teamwork, communication, time management)
• Volunteer experience counts!

Get tips on writing your CV

Sheffield is a student-friendly city with loads of part-time opportunities.

From cafés and shops to events and office work, there are plenty of local employers who regularly hire students. Look out for jobs in the city centre, near campus, or in student hubs like Ecclesall Road and Kelham Island.

Start your search here:

• Indeed - Part-time student jobs in Sheffield
• Find a job (DWP) - Part-time vacancies in Sheffield
• Reed - Part-time, no experience roles in Sheffield

Explore our employability and skills hub

You don’t need loads of experience to land a part-time job – just show that you’re reliable, keen to learn, and ready to get stuck in.

Most part-time employers are looking for students who can:

• Turn up on time and work their shifts reliably
• Communicate clearly and politely with customers and colleagues
• Work well as part of a team
• Stay calm under pressure (especially in busy environments like shops or cafés)
• Be flexible and open to learning new things

Top tip: Use examples from uni, group projects, volunteering or hobbies to show these skills on your CV or in interviews.

Get interview tips at SHU