Graduating, moving out, losing a job or starting over. What to sort out with money at each big life change, and where to get free help.
Give freshers week its own budget. Rent and bills first, then fun. Free events and society taster sessions count as fun too.
Moving out costs more than rent: deposit (max 5 weeks' rent in England if annual rent is under £50,000), first month, set-up and bills.
Student loan repayments start the April after you finish, and only on income above your plan's threshold. Plan 5 (England, started 2023 or later): 9% of income above £25,000.
Gross pay minus tax, NI, student loan and pension = take-home. 1257L is the standard tax code. Bring your P45 from any previous job.
When income goes up, give the extra a job before spending grows to swallow it: emergency fund, debts, saving, then some fun.
After job loss: check final pay (notice, holiday, redundancy), claim any benefits early, cover priority bills first, and get free advice if you're worried.
Sick pay: check your contract for company sick pay; Statutory Sick Pay is paid from day one since April 2026. Self-certify for up to 7 days; after that you'll usually need a fit note.
After a death: register it, use Tell Us Once where available, and know that debts are paid from the person's estate — family usually aren't personally liable.
Baby money: Statutory Maternity Pay (up to 39 weeks), paternity and shared parental pay, Child Benefit, plus UC and childcare help if eligible.
International students: set up a UK bank account early, stick to your visa's work limit (often 20 hours/week in term time for degree-level study), and know that NRPF means no access to most benefits.
Moving abroad doesn't cancel UK obligations. Tell the Student Loans Company, sort your tax position with HMRC, and keep track of your pensions and NI record.
Big life events come with money admin. Each one has a checklist — and Ronnie loves people who are too busy to check.
Free with a codeLife Events: quick answers
Mo plans 4 nights out at £25 each, plus £20 for a society. What's Mo's freshers budget?
4 × £25 = £100, plus £20 = £120. Way better than Mo's accidental £400.
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