Financial Support
Money worries are common at university, and there is help available, from St Mary’s, from SMSU and from organisations outside the University. Asking early makes a real difference, and you do not need to be in crisis to get advice.
Choose the kind of help you are looking for. If you are not sure where to start, contact the SMSU Advice team. It is free, independent and confidential, and we can help you find the right support.
Struggling right now?
If you cannot pay for food, rent or bills, or you have an urgent money problem, these are the quickest places to start. You can use more than one.
- SMSU AdviceFree, independent and confidential. Email Advice.smsu@stmarys.ac.uk, or visit the SMSU Office (K11).
- 020 8240 4386The University’s Student Funding Service, for the Hardship Fund and advice on your funding.
- Citizens AdviceCitizens Advice Richmond, for money, debt and benefits advice. Free for anyone who studies in the borough.
- 020 8940 0274Richmond Food Bank. You need a voucher, and they can tell you how to get one.
At risk of losing your home? See our Accommodation page. Feeling overwhelmed? See our Wellbeing page.
Internal support
Help from St Mary’s University and the Students’ Union.
- SMSU Advice and the Student Funding Service
- The Student Hardship Fund
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Support for care-experienced, estranged and carer students
- Campus jobs, everyday costs and Council Tax letters
External support
Help from the government, charities and organisations outside the University.
- Student Finance England and benefits
- Free money and debt advice
- Local help in Richmond borough, including food banks
- Grants and charities
- Support for international students
The services on this page other than SMSU and the University are independent organisations. Contact details and opening times were checked on 17 October 2026 and may change. If any detail is wrong, please tell us at smsu@stmarys.ac.uk.
