Finances

Credit cards are widely used in the UK. The best known are Visa, MasterCard, and to a lesser extent, American Express. Be prepared to show identification in order to use the card (this rarely happens, but you should always have your ID with you anyway!). American Express and Discover may not be accepted in some locations, so be sure to have a Visa or Mastercard option with you. 

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account and to ensure that your PIN will work while you are abroad.  

Have a 4-digit pin number for ATMs. While 6-digit pins are increasingly common in the US, you'll need a 4-digit pin in the UK! Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for overseas use and that your PIN will work overseas.

In the British Isles, most people have credit cards where you can tap to pay. However, inserting your card (with a chip) into a card reader is possible. 

It is recommended that you carry the phone number of your local bank in case you misplace your ATM card. 

All students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Tickets are an out-of-pocket expense.

When you book your flights, we strongly recommend you purchase your tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Why? Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline. 

We also strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date. You should therefore purchase a flexible flight, researching many different airlines to see what they offer. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. 

Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing! As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to: airline tickets and transportation to / from airports, in addition to expenses resulting from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

• All students will be charged Holy Cross home tuition and the standard room charge. (Financial aid covers these costs; in other words, aid "travels").
  
  Students will not be charged for a meal plan because accommodations at University of Sussex are "self-catering" - i.e., students shop and cook for themselves.

• All students will be billed a mandatory fee or approx. $235 per semester for GLOBAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND international MEDICAL/TRAVEL INSURANCE provided by International SOS (ISOS) and Cigna Global health/Lloyd’s insurance (students are NOT charged the Health Service fee)

The reason the student is billed directly by Holy Cross for the College’s tuition and housing is because they remain enrolled at Holy Cross, ensuring academic continuity and retaining access to important on-campus resources including College advising, academic oversight, transcript and degree-planning processes, Class Dean and Chaplaincy support, health and safety support, emergency assistance, and other services associated with an approved study abroad experience. This is the primary benefit of the Home School Tuition (HST) model.

HST also helps ensure that approved coursework taken abroad contributes appropriately to the student’s Holy Cross degree, and that participation does not unnecessarily disrupt progress toward the College’s eight-semester residential requirement or timely graduation.

The Home School Tuition policy permits eligible federal and institutional financial aid to be applied to a student’s Holy Cross account (subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable aid programs). Therefore, financial aid “travels” and can be applied towards the student’s Holy Cross term bill during the Fall/Spring terms that a student studies abroad.

Students should expect some additional expenses related to studying abroad. The following list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Additionally, students should not expect to have the same amenities abroad as they have at Holy Cross. Each program has different components unique to each location: 

•  REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS 

• FLIGHTS Students are responsible for their own travel to and from the UK

•  STUDENT VISA/RESIDENCY FEES 

•  AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION Students can expect to cover the cost of moving from the airport to University of Sussex

•  LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

•  MEALS 

•  BOOKS

•  PERSONAL EXPENSES (including bedding and kitchen supplies)

•  ENTERTAINMENT

•  LAUNDRY

•  PRINTING FEES

•  PACKING EXPENSES or storage fees for personal belongings 

•  COVID-19 TESTING

Here's a helpful guide to average prices in Brighton to help you budget!