BCU Boost is a unique financial support package designed to simplify your student life at BCU, from the moment you apply, through to graduation day. It includes travel incentives, helpful tips for managing your finances, access to professional financial support, and discounts on food and drink across our campuses.
BCU Boost gives you peace of mind during your time at BCU, so you can spend less time worrying about money, and more time focusing on your studies.
What's included?
If you're a new first-year student, you can claim a free four-week bus pass to help you get to campus and around the West Midlands.* Plus, if you're attending one of our 2024 Open Days, and thinking of getting to us by coach, then you can get 30% off your return ticket. This means you can see what it's really like to study at BCU without worrying about the cost of getting there. *(Available for students starting in 2024)
We have a wide range of food and drink on campus, from coffee to get you through study sessions to filling lunches to refuel between lectures. You can get free soup in the winter and free fruit during the summer months, 25% off hot drinks and 40% off food! Food discounts will also be available at our Open Days.
We have tonnes of advice from finance experts as well as tips and tricks on budgeting and money management. We'll also guide you through the student finance process and what financial support will be available to you at university.
Visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens for free
Students can now enjoy unlimited free access to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens all year round! The Botanical Gardens are opposite our City South Campus, so it couldn't be easier to get outdoors and make the most of this urban oasis. Just take your BCU ID card for free entry!
STUDENT FINANCE EXPLAINED
As an undergraduate student, you may be eligible for government-backed loans to cover your course costs and living fees. Find out how to apply and how much you could receive.
More on student financeFINANCIAL SUPPORT AT BCU
Whether you’re a commuter student, have childcare responsibilities or are just concerned about making ends meet, we're here to support you with your finances.
PRACTICAL RESOURCES
Sharpen your saving skills with our budgeting calculator and learn how student finance repayments work with our interactive payslip. Both resources are free and available to download now!
Downloadable resourcesHow to BECOME A BUDGETING EXPERT
Student Olivia tells you everything you need to know about student finance and budgeting. Get a head start with the hacks that she's used during her time at university.
Student's guide to budgetingHow to find a student job
Having a part-time job during your studies is the perfect way to earn some extra pocket money and build new skills. We've put together a list of places on and off-campus to find a job.
Guide to student jobsPOKU BANKS' TOP TEN TIPS FOR BEING FINANCE SAVVY AT UNIVERSITY
We asked top finance influencer Poku Banks to share his advice on how to manage your finances when you arrive at university.
Poku's top tipsScholarships
We want all our students to achieve their full potential. With our High Achiever and Accelerate Scholarships, you could receive extra funding and support to kick start your BCU journey.
HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST TO BE A STUDENT?
SPENDING IN HALLS
Emily lived in student accommodation during her first year and has learnt how to spend wisely on a student budget. Find out how much she spends and her top tips.
Emily's budgeting advicePERKS OF BEING A STUDENT
You may be put off by terms like ‘loan’ when researching student finance. However, it isn’t all bad. Here are some of the financial benefits and perks of being a uni student.
Student financial benefitsSPENDING AS A COMMUTER STUDENT
Mollie lives at home and commutes to our City South Campus, see how much she spends and what tips she has to share.
Mollie's budgeting tipsFree things to do in Birmingham
Having fun in Brum doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. These days out and activities are ideal for weekend inspo that's easy on your wallet!
Free fun in BrumHow to talk to your parents about Student Finance
Your parents or carers might be concerned about the costs of university and student life. We’ve got some conversation starters and actions you can take to let them how student finance works and to show them you’re responsible enough to budget your money.