Talking Money

Lucy: When I was at university I thought banks were really stuffy, really boring and really scary places to go into. We've worked really hard to make sure that our branches are much friendlier environment.

Holly: Having a good relationship with the branch and with the student advisors in your local branch always helps. There is always websites there that you can look up and find money saving tips.

Nathan: We've all been through the financial concerns ourselves so we don't students to panic over it just to pop in and see us.

Good things about banks

Vinit: The first time I needed to go to the bank was when I needed to convert my normal bank account to a student bank account . I was greeted by a very lovely lady who explained what I could do what I needed to do. And quite literally it was one of the easiest things I have ever done.

Aaron: If you do exceed your overdraft limit don't be afraid to go and talk to your bank. I went to my bank and asked them to increase my overdraft limit and they did it and it was all cool. Super in-fact, it was the best experience of my life. The bank people they give you free coffee, free pens you name it.

Banks and bribery

Rosie: I had a bank account before I started university, but I changed to a Student Account because they were offering a good deal.

Mike: When choosing a bank account don't be lured by gimmicks.

Jemma: Think about what's really important. If you've got an mp3 player, why would you want another mp3 player? Think about what your bank offers in overdrafts. In terms of service so that when you need advice will they be there for you? Where are their branches? Will they be near your university? You may have a really long relationship with your bank which will last for the whole of your life, so it's really quite worthwhile thinking quite seriously about which one you want to pick.

Fancy a tenner?

Nathan: When students come into financial concern, first we want them to come in to us, we will help them with that, we don't want them to panic or be worried about it or be embarrassed.

When you are a student you do have to pay your £15 UCAS fee. When you open an account with HSBC you will be refunded your UCAS £15.

Another benefit we do have, if you can recommend a friend to open an account with HSBC you both will receive £10.

Don't worry, have fun

Aaron: The worst things about university are probably money issues of worrying about whether your going to be able to pay your rent. And so it's finance issues really.

Sarah: I have a vague idea of what a budget it.

Nathan: We'd like to welcome the students in and make it easier to talk about their finances so we can take that away from them, their worries about their finances and they can just enjoy their time at university and their study.

Claire: It is a free part of your life and you are growing up and you're learning things and your learning who your are just enjoy it as much as you can because you probably can't go back on this moment.

HSBC are here to help

Nathan: Here at HSBC we do listen to the voices of the students, we do want them to understand we want to take away any the financial difficulties they have. We want them to feel comfortable to come into a branch or use our website to help them with their financial needs while they are at university.

Pop in - we're nice!

Aaron: Don't be afraid to go and talk to your bank. I went to my bank and said I need some more money and they were quite happy and helped me out and everything was good.

Nathan: I believe that students are quite scared of banks at times and probably don't find us that approachable, but we really do want them to find it quite easy for them to come into us and speak about anything.

Vinit: I began to fall behind fall behind on my bills and so I went down to the bank to sort it out and Laura the lady at the bank very helpfully told me that I could set up some direct debits in the branch and I would never have to worry about making sure I getting the paid, as long as I've got enough money in the bank.

Nathan: It's more like having and chat and finding more the student finding out what they are studying, what things they're into, what their plans are over the next few years to see what we can do to help them.

Aaron: The bank people they give you free coffee, free pens, you name it.