Cost of living support at LSE

Find out about the ways LSE can support you with the cost of living.

LSE's financial support package

To support you with the rising cost of living, LSE has enhanced the financial support available to students. Our financial support package includes:

Student Support Fund
All students can apply to the Student Support Fund, designed to support you if you’re facing difficulties. We doubled our hardship funding budget in the academic year 2022/23 in recognition of cost of living pressures.
Financial support drop-in sessions
Come to a drop-in session for help with emergency financial assistance, advice on applying for financial support, and more
LSESU financial advice
We've increased funding for the LSE Students' Union, including funding for an additional staff member in the LSESU Advice Team, to provide personal financial support
Financial wellbeing
Financial wellbeing and budgeting workshops throughout the academic year by LSE LIFE. Check listings on the LSE LIFE events webpage.
LSE Rent Guarantor Scheme
Our Rent Guarantor Scheme can help you rent in London if you are being asked for a guarantor
PhD support
We increased our PhD Studentship stipends by 10% to match the increased value of UK Research and Innovation Studentship stipends. The Financial Support Office runs drop in sessions specifically for PhD funded students, and the PhD Academy can provide general information about support for doctoral students.
Bursaries and scholarships
This support is alongside existing bursaries and scholarships (£23m in 2022/2023) to support those most in need:
- If you think you are eligible for a bursary, check the LSE bursaries webpage
- Find details of available bursaries, scholarships and funding options.

Take advantage of the lower-cost meal options at LSE catering outlets and find our about campus facilities to heat your own food.

Early bird breakfasts - £1.50
Before 9.30am, get a coffee or tea and a croissant for £1.50 (students only)
Early bird supper - £2.50
The Fourth Floor Restaurant offers an early bird supper for £2.50 (chef's daily hot dish with salad) from 3.30-6.30pm.
Download LSE's Food Club app
Get exclusive offers and discounts including a free hot drink when you sign up, collect points for free meals, and more!

Students in hardship can get free vegetarian and vegan meals via the Food Club app.
Download the Too Good To Go app
Get discounted food and avoid wastage from Café 54, the Plaza Café and The Garrick
Heat and eat your own food on campus
Find out where you can eat your own food and access microwave and hot water facilities on campus

To help with managing your finances as a student, there are a range of way to help you save money on day-to-day living costs.

Student budgeting advice
Learn how to budget as a student from your peers
Student discounts and offers
Discover students discounts available to you to lower the costs of your everyday expenses
London budgeting guide
Tips on how to live in London on a budget
Get money management skills
Access the Blackbullion financial learning platform, free for all LSE students. You can also access the Blackbullion Funding Hub for support funds, scholarships and grants.

Below you can find the types of support, resource and information available to you, depending on your financial situation.

You do not need to be in extreme financial difficulty to access LSE's Support Fund. Applications are open to all students and you can book an appointment with the Financial Support Office if you're worried or need advice.
Take a look at budgeting advice from LSE students
Read tips on how to make a budget for living in London
Speak to the Student Services Centre for practical advice on things like Council Tax, and for signposting to additional support services
Explore LSE catering offers and facilities on campus to heat your own food
If you're an undergraduate student, check your eligibility for LSE bursaries.

Find out about the wider range of support at LSE, including financial and housing assistance, and resources for your wellbeing and studies.

If you are concerned about being able to pay your fees or other costs, contact the Fees, Income and Credit Control Team.

Drop in sessions run from 11am-12 noon, and 1.30-2.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in term time. Outside of term time, the team are available by phone, the enquiry form, and Zoom.
Apply to the Student Support Fund. Applications are open to all students, and can help if you are facing financial difficulties.
The LSESU Hardship Fund, Childcare Fund, and Graduation Gown Fund can support you with specific costs during your studies
Attend a financial support drop-in session for help with emergency financial assistance, advice on applying for financial support, and more
If you're an undergraduate student, check your eligibility for LSE bursaries.

Find out about the wider range of support at LSE, including financial and housing assistance, and resources for your wellbeing and studies.

Attend a financial support drop-in session for help with emergency financial assistance, advice on applying for financial support, and more
Apply to the Student Support Fund. Applications are open to all students, and can help if you are facing financial difficulties.
If you are concerned about being able to pay your fees or other costs, contact the Fees, Income and Credit Control Team.

Drop in sessions run from 11am-12 noon, and 1.30-2.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in term time. Outside of term time, the team are available by phone, the enquiry form, and Zoom.
The LSESU Hardship Fund, Childcare Fund, and Graduation Gown Fund can support you with specific costs during your studies
Check your eligibility for LSE bursaries
If your financial situation is causing you distress, book an appointment to speak to someone in the Student Wellbeing Service.

Find out about the wider range of support at LSE, including financial and housing assistance, and resources for your wellbeing and studies.