NSMW 2023 - Financial Wellbeing

National Student Money Week is a campaign run by the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA). NASMA has released an abundance of useful information and resources which Student Funding Support have collated together for you below. We've also included some additional useful resources that we have found and think will be useful for students!

Gambling

Gambling is common within the student community and can have detrimental effects, from mental health difficulties to strained relationships and financial trouble. The University's Wellbeing and Student Support team have a detailed GamblingLink opens in a new window webpage explaining the types of gambling and the support available that is worth checking out if you are struggling.

GamcareLink opens in a new window is a charity that provides gambling support and they have created lots of Self-Guided ResourcesLink opens in a new window including workbooks, goal planners and diaries for people who are struggling with gambling. They also have a multitude of options for you to speak to one of their advisers, from telephone to WhatsApp and more.

YGAM also provides support for people struggling with gambling or gaming-related harm. They have a specifically dedicated Student HubLink opens in a new window webpage full of information. Their web pages explain the different forms of gambling, the scope of the issue within the student community and triggers. YGAM also signpost those who are struggling on their Where to Find HelpLink opens in a new window web page.

Fraud and Scams

Fraud and scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, sophisticated and difficult to identify. The national campaign Take FiveLink opens in a new window provides information and tools to try to prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud/scams. Within their General AdviceLink opens in a new window web pages, you can learn about the various types of fraud/scams. One of the most common we see our students targeted by is Banking FraudLink opens in a new window. Banks and credit card providers will not ask you to give private information over the phone. If you are in any doubt, end the phone call and call your bank's main telephone number to ensure you are talking to a genuine person.

Why not try the Take 5 Scam QuizLink opens in a new window to see if you can spot a scam!

Which?'s ScamsLink opens in a new window web page offers guidance on what to do if you have been a victim of a scam and have an email alert service you can sign up to be notified of the latest common scams people are victimised by. You can also notify them of scams you have been subject to so that they can make others aware of what to watch out for. Their webpages also signpost to support for victims of scams from MindLink opens in a new window and Victim SupportLink opens in a new window.

Scams relating the energy are widespread at present and so the Energy Saving Trust have put together some information on How to Spot an Energy ScamLink opens in a new window.

HMRC have recently released a useful information document about Money MulesLink opens in a new window which includes how to prevent yourself from being targeted and what to do if you think you have been targeted.

If you have been subject to a scam, you may want to contact your local Citizen's Advice Centre for support:

You may also like to speak with the University's Student Union Advice CentreLink opens in a new window for support.

Debt

With essential living costs rising, it can be tempting to borrow money to help alleviate the financial strain in the immediate period. However, this can result in debt which in turn can cause significant financial difficulty and impact your mental health and wellbeing. Money Saving Expert has put together a Free Debt AdviceLink opens in a new window guide which outlines how to assess your current situation, suggests steps you can take to alleviate your strain and signposts to organisations that can support you, including Citizen's Advice. You may also like to speak to the University's Student Union Advice Centre:

One way that people can find themselves in debt is through Buy Now Pay Later schemes. NASMA have put together an infographic on Buy Now Pay Later with key points to consider when looking at this option of payment. Further to this, Money Saving Expert have put together a more detailed guide on Buy Now, Pay Later: How it Works and What to Look Out For. If you are looking for information on How to Improve Your Credit Score, the Money Saving Expert guide is a good source of information for this. Money Saving Expert also has useful calculators for:

Financial Difficulty

If you are in financial difficulty, you may be eligible for support from the Student Funding Team either in the form of a loan or a non-repayable award.

For more information, check out the following web pages:

Home or International Students:

Emergency LoansLink opens in a new window

Home Students:

The Warwick Hardship Fund (WHF)Link opens in a new window

International Students:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Financial difficulty can impact mental health and wellbeing and so it is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself. If you are struggling there is support available from the University's Wellbeing and Student SupportLink opens in a new window portal. Here you can access help and support from the Wellbeing team, as well as find an abundance of Self-help ResourcesLink opens in a new window. The Wellbeing team have also put together a list of Emergency ContactsLink opens in a new window in case you require them in an urgent situation.

If your mental health and wellbeing are impacting your studies, it is also a good idea to reach out to your personal tutor as they can also support you.