University life can come with its fair share of financial pressure. Rent, groceries, transport, bills and study expenses can add up quickly, and sometimes an unexpected expense can make things even harder.
We recently asked Curtin students on Curtin Life’s Instagram whether they knew about the financial support available to them. 74% said they didn’t know Curtin offers financial support.
Financial support isn’t always something we think about until we really need it. You might assume you won’t qualify, feel like someone else needs it more, or simply not know where to start. So, let’s make it a little easier.
Here are some situations you might find yourself in and the support available at Curtin that you might not know you can access.
“I can’t afford an unexpected expense.”
Unexpected expenses can happen to anyone. A change in your work hours, an unexpected bill or a sudden change in your circumstances can make it difficult to keep up with your usual expenses.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, Curtin Student Guild’s Student Assist can provide free and confidential support, including money management advice, advocacy and help connecting you with other services.
Eligible students experiencing significant financial hardship due to unexpected circumstances may also be able to apply for the Emergency Hardship Grant, which provides financial relief to help with immediate financial difficulties. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and eligibility requirements apply.
You may also contact Curtin social workers for assistance with accommodation, financial hardship or stressful personal circumstances.
If an unexpected expense has put you under financial pressure, don’t assume there’s nothing you can do. Find out what support may be available to you.
“I need help managing my money.”
You don’t have to wait until you’re in financial crisis before asking for help. Maybe you’re struggling to make your money last until your next pay, you’re unsure how to manage your expenses, or you simply want to get better at planning your finances.
Student Assist can provide money management advice and help you understand your options.
Think of it as a conversation about your finances, rather than something you need to have all the answers for. You can start with where you’re at and work from there.
Remember: asking for financial advice doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Sometimes, having someone help you make sense of your options is the first step towards feeling more confident about your money.
Explore financial resources and support.
“I’m struggling with groceries.”
Food is an essential expense, and it’s not always possible to simply cut back when money gets tight.
Guild Pantry + provides free food and pantry essentials to currently enrolled Curtin students experiencing financial hardship. It offers short-term support with everyday groceries and pantry items when you need a helping hand.
Students can access the Pantry through the available ordering and appointment options, with access limits and eligibility requirements applying.
And if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable about asking for help with groceries, remember:
Using support that’s available to you doesn’t mean you’ve failed at managing your money.
Sometimes, you just need a little help getting through a difficult period.
“I don’t think I’d qualify.”
You might be thinking:
“Surely someone else needs it more than me.”
“My situation probably isn’t serious enough.”
“I probably won’t be eligible.”
It’s easy to make that assumption, but eligibility can vary depending on the type of support and your circumstances.
For example, the eligibility requirements for the Emergency Hardship Grant are different from those for Guild Pantry +. Other forms of financial support may have their own requirements too.
So instead of deciding that you aren’t eligible before you’ve checked, ask the question.
Student Assist can help you understand your situation and what options may be available to you.
You don’t have to figure out which service you need on your own.
“What if I need help with something else?”
Financial support isn’t limited to grants or groceries. If financial stress is affecting your studies, wellbeing or ability to manage day-to-day life, there are other support services at Curtin that may be able to help you navigate what’s going on and connect you with the right resources.
You can also explore Curtin’s broader financial assistance and scholarship options to see what you may be eligible for.
The important thing is to start somewhere.
If you’re not sure which service is right for you, Curtin Connect or Student Assist can help point you in the right direction.
You don’t have to figure it out alone
Money can be stressful, particularly when you’re balancing study with work, rent, groceries, bills and everything else life throws at you.
And sometimes, budgeting isn’t the answer.
If your income isn’t enough to cover your essentials, or something unexpected has happened, telling yourself to simply “spend less” won’t necessarily solve the problem.
That’s why knowing what support is available matters.
Whether you need help with an unexpected expense, access to food, advice about managing your money or simply someone to talk through your options with, support is available.
Asking for financial support isn’t a sign you’ve failed. It’s one of the many resources available to help you succeed at university.
💬 Your Money Move
Take one small step this week: find out what financial support is available to you.
You might not need it today. But knowing where to turn before you need it can make it easier to ask for help when you do.
Need financial support?
Start with Curtin Student Guild’s Student Assist. Student Assist provides free and confidential support to Curtin students, including financial and money management advice.
