Hardship Funds and Hot Water Bottles: Ways You Didn’t Know You Could Save (or Make) Money This January

5th January 2026

January Blues and Making Your Money Stretch

January can be a difficult month for students. After the cost of Christmas, travelling home, and the New Year, many people return to uni worried about how to make their money last until spring. With rising rent and energy bills, it is completely normal to feel stressed at this time of year. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and there are practical ways to cut back on spending while looking after your wellbeing.

Cheap Ways to Spend Time With Housemates

Saving money does not mean isolating yourself. Finding low-cost ways to spend time with your housemates can help keep spirits up without putting pressure on your bank balance. Game nights or cooking one shared meal together each week are easy options. Wine from the corner shop or homemade food can be just as enjoyable as a night out.

Inviting neighbours or friends over can also make evenings feel more social without spending money. These quieter nights often help people feel more connected during the darker winter months.

Saving Money on Heating and Staying Warm

Heating costs are one of the biggest worries for students in January. Rather than turning the heating on full and worrying about the bill later, it is often better to keep heating steady and focus on staying warm in other ways.

Hot water bottles are a cheap and effective way to stay warm. They make getting into bed much more comfortable and can even help you get up off the sofa when it is cold. Steady heating and good air circulation also help prevent mould, which is common in student houses during winter.

Getting Outside and Looking After Your Mental Health

It can be tempting to stay indoors in January, but getting outside is important for both mental and physical health. Even short walks can help improve mood and energy levels. Walking along the seafront, around your neighbourhood, or through local parks is free and helps break up the day.

At this time of year, the starling murmurations often start again along the coast. Taking time to watch them is a simple reminder that winter does not last forever. Exercise can also help, and many gyms offer student discounts or off-peak memberships, making it more affordable than you might expect.

Hardship Funds and Student Support Available

If money worries are becoming overwhelming, it is important to know that support is available. Universities offer hardship funds and student support funds to help students who are struggling financially.

Hardship funds are grants, not loans, which means you do not have to pay the money back. They are designed to help reduce financial stress and support students with essential costs. Even if you do not think you are eligible, it is still worth applying if you are struggling. Many students are surprised by the outcome, and the application usually takes no longer than 20 minutes.

Support includes the Hardship Fund at the University of Sussex and the Student Support Fund for undergraduates at the University of Brighton.

You Are Not Alone This January

January can feel long and isolating, but small changes can make a real difference. Cutting back on spending, staying connected with others, getting outside, and asking for help when you need it are all positive steps. This month will pass, and taking care of yourself now can help you feel more stable and supported as you move towards spring.