Financial support
Most students experience financial difficulties at university, so it’s completely normal to be struggling with money. However, this doesn’t mean it’s easy – financial support in various forms is available throughout the University, and you might also be considering getting a job alongside your studies to maximise your income.
Support key:
IS: Students whose first language isn’t English / International Students
FN: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander/First Nations Students
QS: LGBTQIA+SB Students
SD: Students with a Disability
Resources
I need help finding a job
The University have some useful information for finding a job both during and after your studies. Sydney CareerHub advertises lots of jobs, and they offer workshops to improve your employability skills etc. too.
🔗 The University’s website has great info for finding a job ↗
🔗 You can log in to Sydney Career Hub here ↗
When you are employed, you should also join your trade union to ensure your rights are protected. Their fees are also tax deductable.
🔗 More info on joining an employment union can be found here ↗
I need help with budgeting and managing my money
MoneySmart, an Australian Government website, has helpful guidance for budgeting, and a very user-friendly budget planner with an auto-save option so you can stay on top of your spending and where your money is going, and work out where you might need to change your income or outgoings.
🔗 MoneySmart’s website is really helpful for info and tools for setting up a budget ↗
The University’s website also has some great money saving tips, including travel grants and where to get cheap textbooks and household goods etc.
🔗 The University’s “Managing your Money” page has helpful financial support options and ways to save money ↗
I’m struggling to afford food
With the cost-of-living crisis, being able to afford food as a student can be difficult. In collaboration with SRC, USU run a FoodHub pantry to provide food and other essential items to university students who are struggling with finances or food insecurity. You can find it on Level 3 of the Wentworth Building and collect items at no cost.
🔗 Click here for more info ↗
By becoming a USU Rewards member, you can get up to a 10% discount on food and drinks at USU food outlets on campus!
I’m a sex worker and I need some support
Scarlet Alliance is the Australian Sex Workers Association who work to improve the rights of sex workers. Their Red Book, produced for sex workers by sex workers, is a resource containing empowering info on everything from health and safety to legal obligations. This is available in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean. IS
🔗 The Scarlet Alliance Red Book can be found on their website ↗
Sydney Sexual Health Clinic (SSHC) provide non-judgement and confidential expertise in testing, treatment, prevention and support for HIV and STIs. They offer Thai and Mandarin clinics too, and support everyone, including sex workers, the LGBTQIA+SB community, Aboriginal and Torres and Strait Islander people, people living with HIV and people who inject drugs. FN, IS , QS
🔗 SSHC’s website has information about how to contact them and how they can help ↗
I need some financial support
The Student Representative Council (SRC) offer a $50 emergency loan. You can apply for this online.
🔗 Click here for more info ↗
The University offer a variety of bursaries, loans and vouchers for students in financial hardship. You can find out more about whether you might be eligible and make an application online. There are bursaries and grants available for students from specific communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and students with a disability. FN, SD
🔗 Financial Support the university offers can be found here ↗
The University also have a page on their website with helpful signposts to other financial support options in the community, including travel grants and where to get cheap textbooks and household goods etc.
🔗 The University’s 'Managing your Money' page has helpful financial support options and ways to save money ↗
My club needs some financial support
If your Club requires support with their current financials, you can email the Clubs team where you’ll have an opportunity to meet with our Finance Coordinator to talk through solutions and options available. You, or you Club’s exec team, could also have a look in the C&S Finance Handbook.