Reasons to Book an Appointment with the Student Budgeting Advisor:
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To talk about Money - don't worry alone there may be easy options that make your money work for you.
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To talk about SUSI - questions about applying, appeals and changes to your application.
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To talk about Soical Welfare options - come and ask if you are unsure about your payment.
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To talk about Funding - if you have an emergency or are struggling to manage your course expenses there may be support available. Check out Funding
You will have to fill in a form but don't worry - if you are not sure of your figures just put in zeros and talk about it at your meeting.
Once you submit your form you will be able to log on to the online calendar and pick a date and time that suit you.
If you feel you have an emergency call to the Drop in Clinics on Wednesday each week from 10:30 - 12:30 during term time or email student.budget@mu.ie.
Drop in Clinics will commence in September 2022 and will be held every Wednesday from 10:30 - 12:30 during term time in the Student Budgeting Advice Service offices in the Student Services Building on the North Campus.
These are open clinics for students to call in and talk about financial questions.
The clinics are not full appointments (approximately 10-15 minute sessions) so if you feel you may need to apply for funding or talk over a complex issue please Book an Appointment
Students are seen on a first-come first-served basis so bring something to study in the comfy waiting room - you might be a while.
Please contact the correct area to avoid delays in answering your query.
Please call in to the Student Support Hub or the Student Budgeting Advice Service Drop in Clinic with your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions are available on this page of the website. Please check here initially as you may find the answer to your question in this area.
Queries relating to Course Fees should be directed to the Student Fees and Grants office.
If you are enquiring about SUSI please check the SUSI website www.susi.ie in the first instance as your query may be answered there.
If you are feeling unwell please contact the Student Health Centre.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed please check out the Student Counselling Service.
The Student Budgeting Advice Service offers support and advice with managing your money for University.
The Student Budgeting Advisor can talk over your situation with you and try to ensure you are accessing all the financial options to help you to have a positive college experience.
The services includes 1 to 1 meetings, advice about SUSI, social welfare and other financial supports.
To find out more about the services we offer please see Services.
To find out more about Internal and External funding before you become a student or now that you are with us in University click on Funding.
Don't forget that registered students can talk to the Student Budgeting Advisor about any financial concerns at the Drop in Clinic or Book an Appointment.
Student Emergency Fund:
- If you have been recommended for funding as part of the Student Emergency Fund by the Student Budgeting Advisor, please send your query to EmergencyFund@mu.ie
- If you are in need of a Short-Term Loan or Food Vouchers as part of the Student Emergency Fund, please apply directly to Student Support Hub by emailing Student.Services@mu.ie
The Student Assistance Fund will open for new applications for the 2022/23 academic year in early October 2022.
The process for applying for funding has changed this year. Please see the updated information on the Student Assistance Fund at SAF or questions may be referred to saf@mu.ie
Please apply online at SAF or Book An Appointment to start the process of the application.
There is information about the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) in the
Financial Support and Funding section along with other funding options.
For more details about the criteria for SAF see SAF Details but to talk it over and see if you might be eligible you need to talk to the Student Budgeting Advisor so Book An Appointment.
Maynooth University has a limited number of laptops to lend to students who do not have a laptop and cannot afford to buy one. This scheme is part of the package of Covid-19 supports for higher and further education institutions approved by Government.
If you are having issues connecting with Maynooth University online check out Connectivity Tips.
Who can apply:
· Undergraduate and postgraduate students who are fully registered with MU
· Students with economic disadvantages/HEAR
· First-time mature students
· Students with disabilities/DARE
· Part-time/flexible learning students
· Students who hold further education qualifications
· Students who are members of the Traveller and Roma communities
· Ethnic minorities
· Students who are lone parents
International, non-EU fee-paying students will not be eligible to apply.
For more information and the application form check out Laptop Loans.
If you are thinking about coming to University or are about to start it can really help to check out the College Costs page for guidance on what you can expect.
If you are a current student and are worried about managing your money please Book an Appointment or come to a Drop in Clinic.
Information on grant eligibility and how to apply is available at the SUSI website.
Before making an application, refer to the grant eligibility criteria, use the eligibility reckoner and view tips for applicants provided on the SUSI website.
If in doubt – APPLY!
Please note that SUSI has closed for applications for 2022/23 but you may be able to make a Late Application online. Please feel free to email student.budget@mu.ie with any questions about SUSI or other financial concerns.
Be aware of the option to Appeal and timelines involved.
Also consider the Change of Circumstances provision and the Holiday Earnings Disregard for student income.
If you would like a one to one consultation with the Student Budgeting Advisor during term time you should Book an Appointment. Please remember that all appointments are by phone or online until we can safely meet again.
You may not need a full appointment so the Student Budgeting Advisor offers a Drop in Clinic in the Student Services Centre.
If you have an urgent need for financial advice or support, please call to the Student Support Services Hub in the Student Services Centre, North Campus or email: student.budget@mu.ie. or emergencyfund@mu.ie.
The Student Budgeting Office is located on the ground floor of the Student Services Centre. Follow the yellow feet to find the office!
Campus Map
"For my financial worries, I was told about the Student Budgeting Advisor who informed me of all the assistance available and helped me to work through my finances to see what could be done to accommodate the huge list of college expenses. I felt so much more prepared for coming into university after a meeting with her."
Ryan, 2nd Year, Computer Science
"When I went into the Financial Advisory Office, I was welcomed by a warm bubbly Ruth. I felt so at ease telling her about my financial struggles. Together we worked out a plan on how to best deal with the finances. The support didn’t stop there, Ruth linked me in with other student services that helped make my college experience even better. It’s definitely worth finding out what support is available by booking an appointment!"
Leanne, 3rd Year, Arts
Go and meet with them they will listen
Lisa,2nd Year, Community Studies
"It is better to ask for help and advice than to let money worries mar the university experience."
Dara, 1st Year, Science
"The Student Budgeting service is a great facility in helping students with financial problems by relieving them of the stress and the expenses of the academic year. They offer exceptional services and advice, are really passionate about the progression of students within the university and are extremely understanding in terms of personal problems."
Daniel, 2nd Year, Law
"The student budgeting advice service provide positive and helpful advice to everyone who enters their door. They understand the individual needs and challenges of students in education today. I was so glad I came to the offices. In times of life hiccups where I struggled as a mature student balancing college and family commitments, life seemed less daunting with the support and humble response I received."
Alison, 1st Year, Social Science
"If you are struggling financially, don't be afraid to book an appointment. The Advisor will listen to your problems and will help you to the best of her abilities. She went above and beyond to help me through some difficult times. And I'm sure she would do the same for any other student. It's a non judgmental and confidential environment. I felt very comfortable talking to the Advisor."
Erika, 4th Year, Law
"Book way in advance if you think you may have a problem in the near future, and don't leave it til it's an emergency."
Jennifer, 4th Year, Science
"If you need assistance or advice on money matters, go and talk to the Student Budgeting Advice Service."
John, 3rd Year, Social Science
"Ruth is a very welcoming, easy to talk to person and it is definitely worth making an appointment. If Ruth can help you out in some way she absolutely will."
Shannon, 1st Year, Science
"Really good source of information for resources available."
Audrey, 1st Year, Postgradute Programme
