It’s never too late to study—but how do you afford it? Here’s your adult student survival guide. Going to university as an adult can be a big step. Maybe you have kids. Maybe you work part-time. Maybe you just want a better job. Whatever the reason, going back to school is brave. But money can be a problem.

So, how do you survive financially as an adult while studying? Here’s a simple guide to help you.

1. Understand student loans in the UK

The UK government offers student loans for tuition and living costs. You can still apply for these even if you’re an older student.

• Tuition Fee Loan: Covers the full cost of your course (up to £1000 a year). It goes directly to the university.
• Maintenance Loan: Helps with living costs like rent, food, and travel. The amount depends on your age, household income, and where you live/study.

You don’t need to pay anything back until you’re earning above the repayment threshold.

Student loans are a key way to survive financially as an adult in the UK.

2. Apply for grants and bursaries

In the UK, there are grants and bursaries that do not need to be paid back. These are great for adult students. Examples include:

• Adult Dependants’ Grant
• Childcare Grant
• Parents’ Learning Allowance
• Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

Your university may also offer its own support funds or hardship funds. Ask the student support team for help applying. Getting free support like this helps you survive financially as an adult without adding to your debt.

3. Set a budget that works for you

If you want to survive financially as an adult, budgeting is a must. Make a list of your income and spending. Include things like:

• Rent
• Bills
• Travel
• Food
• Childcare
• Books or course supplies

Be honest with yourself. Cut costs where you can. Use simple apps like Money Dashboard or even just pen and paper.

4. Use student discounts everywhere

Student discounts aren’t just for 18-year-olds. As a UK student, you can sign up for:

• TOTUM card
• UNiDAYS
• Student Beans
• 16-25 Railcard (or Mature Student Railcard if eligible)

These can save you money on travel, tech, groceries, entertainment, and clothes. Every little discount helps you survive financially as an adult.

5. Get a part-time or flexible job

Many adult students work part-time or freelance. In the UK, you can look for jobs in retail, customer service, libraries, university departments (admin, student support), and freelance work (writing, design, tutoring).

Make sure the job is flexible and won’t harm your studies. Even a few hours a week can help you pay for essentials. Working is a popular way to survive financially as an adult while studying.

6. Look into housing support

Rent is one of the biggest expenses for students. If you’re renting in the UK, you may be able to:

• Get Universal Credit if you’re a single parent or have a disability
• Share a house with other students to cut costs
• Live with family to save on rent

Some universities also offer cheap student halls or private housing advice. Finding affordable rent is a major way to survive financially as an adult.

7. Save on food and bills

Food shopping and energy bills add up fast. Here’s how to save:

• Shop at cheaper supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or ASDA
• Use food-saving apps like Too Good To Go or Olio
• Cook in bulk and freeze meals
• Apply for energy discounts or help schemes (like Warm Home Discount)

Reducing everyday costs is a must if you want to survive financially as an adult.

8. Use free university services

Don’t pay for things your university offers for free. You can get:

• Free printing (in limits)
• Free academic help (writing, maths, presentations)
• Mental health support
• Career advice
• Computer labs and internet access
• Free software (like Microsoft Office)

These free tools help you study well without spending extra. Using what’s available helps you survive financially as an adult in the UK.

9. Plan for holiday breaks

Student finance often comes in term-time payments. But your costs don’t stop during the holidays. Try to save a little from each loan payment, look for temporary work over summer or winter and plan your budget with holidays in mind. Thinking ahead makes it easier to survive financially as an adult all year round.

10. Don’t forget council tax exemption

Full-time students in the UK don’t need to pay council tax. If you live alone or with other students, apply for a council tax exemption. Even if you live with someone who works full-time, you may be able to get a discount. Saving on council tax helps you survive financially as an adult and keeps bills down.

11. Talk to a student money advisor

Most UK universities have a student money adviser. They can help you:

• Apply for loans, grants, and funds
• Plan a budget
• Get emergency help
• Find support for your situation (parents, carers, etc.)

They understand adult students and are there to help you survive financially as an adult.

12. Use benefits if you qualify

Some adult students in the UK may be eligible for benefits, like:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit (in some cases)
• Child Benefit
• Council Tax Support

This depends on your situation—such as if you have children or a disability. Always check what you’re entitled to. This extra support can help you survive financially as an adult.

13. Avoid getting into debt

It’s tempting to rely on credit cards or loans. But this can cause problems later. Try to use your student loan and grants first, avoid payday loans at all costs and speak to a debt charity like StepChange if you’re struggling. Being careful now protects your future. Avoiding bad debt is how you survive financially as an adult without more stress.

If you’re feeling lost with student finance, don’t worry—Enrollmate.co.uk is here to help. From applying for student loans to finding grants, courses, and support, we make things simple. Whether you’re going back to uni or starting for the first time, Enrollmate.co.uk can help you survive financially as an adult—and make your student journey smoother.

Final Thoughts

Being a student as an adult is hard work. But it’s also powerful. You’re building a better life. And the good news? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.