York St John Student Support Fund

Working full time over summer

If you are looking for a job, the Careers team can help with this. They have links with businesses in York and advertise jobs all year round, plus over the summer they will advertise any internships. You can find these jobs on our online careers portal, Handshake.

For information and areas of York to look at, download Working: information for York (PDF, 1.2 MB).

For details for working part time in the UK (for international students), download Working part time: information for international students (PDF, 1.1 MB)

The following resources will help you to enhance your chances of securing a job:

• Application Theory (YouTube): Watch this video to develop your CV, cover letter and application writing skills. These will increase your chance at securing an interview.
• Career planner (Prospects website): If you are unsure about what kind of jobs you should apply for, input your skills, motivations and desires to find out which roles are most suited to you.
• Log in to Handshake: You can also send your CV to careers@yorksj.ac.uk to get some feedback or book a careers appointment with our Careers Advisers to discuss your CV.

Rent due over summer

If you are unable to pay your rent, we recommend contacting your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible to explain your financial circumstances. They may be able to offer alternative arrangements, such as a payment plan that allows you to pay in monthly instalments over the summer. However, options can vary depending on the landlord or agent.

Unable to work

You may be unable to work over summer due to ill health, disability, caring responsibilities, or if you have dependent children. If you are unable to work over the summer, please contact the Student Funding Advice team to discuss your circumstances.

You can email the team on fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk or book onto one of our online drop-in sessions. 

Student bank accounts

You can open a student bank account which should provide you with an interest free overdraft. We do advise you to use this overdraft as a temporary measure to help support you over the summer with the plan to repay it once you receive your summer wages or your student finance in September. It is good to have this overdraft available as a safety net throughout term time.

It is important to get the right student account for you. You can compare accounts on the Money Saving Expert website.

Budgeting support

The University has subscribed to Blackbullion, an award-winning financial wellbeing resource which offers free online advice to support you with money skills for life. Blackbullion has launched an app to help you manage your money with confidence by putting you in control. It will also provide you with insights and will suggest areas you can save, plus you can earn bullions which can be exchanged for prizes.

• Register on the Blackbullion website.
• Download Blackbullion Student Budgeting on the iOS app store.
• Download Blackbullion Student Budgeting on the Google Play store.

Food assistance

If you do find yourself in an unexpected situation without food, we can offer you emergency food assistance through a stock of non-perishable food items. This support is designed to help relive immediate pressure during this difficult time. Please contact the Student Funding Advice team on fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk. 

Alternatively, the following links will confirm other support available in York.

• York Food bank
• Salvation Army York Community Church
• Trussell Trust
• York City Council

If you are not located in York, please visit the Trussell Trust website to find your local food bank.

Alternative shopping options

The apps below can help you to save money on your food.

• Too Good to Go: Find discounts on surplus food at local shops and restaurants.
• Olio: Pick up items that are no longer needed from people who live nearby.
• No Waste: Track, organise and manage the food in your home to reduce waste.
• Trolley.co.uk: Compare prices across supermarkets and save money on your everyday shopping.

Outstanding tuition fee payments

If you owe money to the University, please contact the Credit Control team to discuss your financial circumstances and they will explain the options available.

You can contact them by email on creditcontrol@yorksj.ac.uk or by phone on 01904 876 452.