Managing Your Money
If you are struggling to understand how student finance works, you need to find out what funding you may be eligible for, or you need help to manage your money, we can help!
About this page
Student life presents lots of unique financial challenges that require a unique approach. We are here to help! In addition to student finance, fees, and funding advice, we can also support you to:
- Check what funding and financial support you’re entitled to – and make sure you don’t miss out
- Create a budget so you know what’s coming in (income) and going out (expenditure)
- Access specialist agencies for more in depth help if you are struggling with debts
- Explore emergency options if you are having unexpected money problems or struggling with cash flow
Service Hours: Mon – Thu, 9:30am to 4:30pm; Fri 9:30am to 4:00pm; Sat – Sun, closed.
Phone: 0113 222 3508, 0113 222 3419
Getting Ahead With Your Finances
Our top tips for keeping on top of your money!
Tip 1
Plan your finances with our easy budget planner sheet
Tip 2
Open a student bank account
Tip 3
Pick up some money saving strategies
Tip 4
Check out the Survival Guide Podcast series from Leeds Conservatoire.
Which shows industry professionals talk about finance, legal, marketing, concert programming & performing survival tips.
Tip 5
Learn some budget friendly recipes.
Tip 6
Get the Blackbullion Money Manager app!
Blackbullion’s ‘Money Manager’ app is a budgeting app designed specifically for students, unlike other personal finance apps.
Money Manager uses open banking to give you on overview of your finances, and can give you insights in how to reduce your spending.
As well as helping you manage your money, you can also earn ‘Bullions’ by using the app, which you can use to enter cash giveaways and win prizes.
Support at Leeds Conservatoire
At Leeds Conservatoire, we are committed to supporting our students throughout their studies and offer a range of financial support and guidance to help when it’s needed most.
Support offered at Leeds Conservatoire
We provide the following resources for students to take advantage of if they find themselves struggling.
- Progression Portal – help with performance opportunities, jobs, and funding schemes to gain experiences and help with promotions material
- Free sanitary products within the conservatoire buildings
- Food vouchers
- Free hot water from the Café:Bar
- Warm spaces on Level 5, the Café:Bar (you don’t have to buy anything), the Rooftop Bar and the Library
- The Leeds Conservatoire Discretionary Support Grant – a fund for students who need financial support with small essential purchases such as medical or prescription costs, or costs associated with graduation; such as gown hire. Email our team to apply.
- The Leeds Conservatoire Financial Assistance Fund – a limited hardship fund to provide emergency financial support for students, who have an immediate need for help, in order that they can continue their studies – apply below.
External Advice and Resources
We’ve put together a list of resources, services, and advice:
Financial Assistance Fund
If you’re struggling with essential costs (like food, travel, or medicine), you may be able to apply for an Emergency Award from the Hardship Fund.
Fund Terms & Conditions
Who can apply?
Undergraduate students facing urgent short-term financial difficulties, such as delayed student finance or sudden cash flow issues.
What support is available?
Non-repayable grants of £100–£500 (sometimes partly as supermarket vouchers). Paid directly into your bank by BACS (processing time applies – about 7 days).
Before applying:
Please explore other reasonable options (e.g. family, part-time work, overdraft). Do not use payday loans.
Do not create your own emergency situation by failing to budget and waiting until you have completely run out of money before you apply for help.
The maximum award available is £500 and will be paid directly into your bank account by BACS payment, as soon as possible after applying.
Budgeting and Avoiding Future Crises
We encourage you to complete the budget sheet provided as a helpful way to understand your finances and plan ahead. Taking a little time to look at your income and spending can help you see where your money goes, identify areas where you may be able to save, and feel more confident managing your money. The aim is to help you build positive budgeting habits, make informed financial decisions, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected money worries in the future. The budget sheet is simply a tool to help you take control of your finances and plan for your needs.
If you are experiencing ongoing financial difficulties, support is available. You can access advice from Leeds Conservatoire services or external organisations that can help with budgeting, money management, debt advice, and other financial concerns.
Applying for the fund
Applications for the fund will open on 19th October 2026. To apply for the fund complete the form below.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide:
- A brief statement explaining why you are applying for the fund and how the funding will support you.
- A copy of your tenancy agreement.
- Copies of your three most recent bank statements (for all accounts).
There is no automatic entitlement to an award, and applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Finalists: when you finish a full-time programme you no longer count as a student for benefit purposes, and can claim benefits if you have not gained employment or are on a low income. ↩︎