Introducing: The Money Advice Team
Us Money Mentors work closely with Money Advisors at Student Services. The Money Advice team provides professional financial advice and assistance to all students. All advice is confidential.
The team can advise on:
- Pre-entry guidance.
- Student funding – for example, entitlements to loan/grants.
- Budgeting.
- Entitlement to benefits.
- Maximising your income.
- Managing your money.
- Banking facilities.
- Debt problems.
- Applying to trust funds, etc.
- Council tax problems.
- Students and Tax Employment issues.
- Accommodation queries.
Here are some brief introductions to the Money Advice team!
Vicki Kinninmonth – Money Advisor
Hi, I’m Vicki, one of the money advisers here at St Andrews, I have worked at the University since 2017, first working with Registry, here I worked in the scholarships department, gaining experience in both Undergraduate and Postgraduate scholarships. I moved into my current role in May 2022. I’ve lived local to St Andrews all my life, apart from my time away at University, and so know the area well. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and taking my dog for a walk.
Dawn Ritchie – Money Advisor
Hi, I am Dawn, one of the Money Advisers here at Student Services. I have worked for Student Services for 15 years in total from receptionist to ASC manager and now in my current role and have lots of knowledge and understanding of student needs and aim to give students the best experience in university life. I have lived in St Andrews from the age of 7 years so have a vast knowledge of the town.
Harvey Cawdron – Trainee Money Advisor
Hi, I’m Harvey, a Trainee Money Advisor here at Student Services. I’ve just finished my PhD in theology with the university, and have been providing pastoral support to students for the last two years as an Assistant Warden in Halls of Residence. It’s really rewarding to support students throughout their university journey. Having adequate financial support and good financial health are essential when it comes to having a good university experience, but are areas that a lot of students struggle with. I am excited to be providing support with this in my new role, as I recognise how important it is.
Sarah Scott – Accessibility and Inclusion
Hi, I’m Sarah, the Assistant Director of the Accessibility & Inclusion team at Student Services. I graduated from Lancaster University in 2012 with a degree in Anthropology of Religion, where I discovered my passion for supporting disabled students while working as a Learning Support Assistant for a peer with cerebral palsy. After graduating, I joined Disability Services at the University of Cumbria, dedicating the next decade to roles across different universities, including Lancaster University and the University of Central Lancashire. Between 2015 and 2022, I also worked as a Disability Officer at the University of Cumbria, where I coordinated support and reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities.
In 2016, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, conducting research on social media communities for students with learning difficulties, and am now a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I have additional training in dyslexia and ADHD/Autism support and actively promote access to higher education for disabled individuals. In January 2022, I joined the University of St Andrews as a Disability Adviser, advancing to Assistant Director (Accessibility & Inclusion) in 2024. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, swimming, paddle boarding and yoga.