Financial Struggles
There are two main reasons why money affects students….
Distracted from study due to worrying about money, and the flow on effects of this.
Working too much & missing lectures/not finding time to study.
What might this look like for you?
Living in suboptimal conditions:
in housing where there is inadequate heating
due to the cost of heat pumps, or mould present. This can lead to increased sickness and need for personal days to get better.
Not being able to afford food for nutritious
meals that are conducive to long study days.
Disconnecting from friends as you can’t
afford the activities they invite you to, which then slowly leads to your isolation.
Paying for the upkeep (petrol, insurance, services, WOF) of a car you cannot afford
Unable to talk with friends or family
about how much money is stressing you
out. Can be due to:
Family struggling financially
Not wanting to burden them
Family unwilling to financially support you
Lack of financial awareness within direct family.
How can Debbie & MAS help me?
In this video, Debbie Guest from MAS talks to Eden, a vet student, about financial challenges as a student, her top financial advice, and ways that us as students can engage with MAS & Debbie for financial support. Check it out…
How do I budget on a Student Loan?
Follow along with Debbie Guest explaining how to use the SORTED website to budget on a student loan. This informative and interactive video takes all of the confusion out of budgeting and let’s you get it “sorted” all on one website.
Use the budgeting tool on the SORTED website here to follow along to the video.
Applying for non-repayable loans
A non-repayable loan is when someone gives you a sum of money that you don’t need to pay back. There are a few examples of these that are applicable to students, check them out…
Scholarships
There are over 300 scholarships listed on the Massey website - check them out here and see which ones may apply to you!
StudyLink - Jobseeker Support Student Hardship
Jobseeker Support Student Hardship is a weekly payment to help with your living expenses during a study break of more than 3 weeks. Check out the details here.
Massey Emergency Financial Support Grant
You may be eligible for the Emergency Financial Support Grant if you have suffered a temporary, unforeseen financial hardship that impacts your study at Massey University. Check out the details here.
StudyLink - Student Allowance
Did you know some people qualify for a weekly allowance they don’t have to pay back! Click here to find out if you qualify.
Government Benefits (Work & Income)
There are various benefits that you don’t have to pay back that the NZ government offers to residents/citizens. Take this quiz to find out what benefits you are eligible for.
Should I work & study?
The answer to this question is different for everyone, but here is what some students think to help you make your own decision…
“I found that working night shifts at a restaurant was the best way to work and study. It wasn’t a whole lot of money but I’d work around 4-6 hours a week and it would be enough to cover groceries. I managed to keep this job all the way through to 4th year, and even though some days it was exhausting, it was always good to get out and do something other than study. I would say working in 3rd year requires a job that is super flexible and the management is understanding.”
“I worked all the way from first year through to the end of fourth year and was totally fine, a little trickier in 5th years because you’re constantly travelling so I dog sat instead when I could to make some extra money.”
“When I was in third year I worked about 11 hours a week. I had a reception job and also worked one restaurant shift a week at the same hotel. I was lucky enough to study a little during my reception shift. I found that working weekends (sundays specifically) was a good reset for me and working in restaurants was an amazing escape where you just don't have to think about school for once.”
“You’ll be able to work throughout second year easy. The workload is pretty chill. I worked a Mon morning and Saturday full day and it was fine. Just be selective with where you work and be honest about how uni is your main priority and will need some flexibility around exam time etc.”