A city-wide student finance challenge launches across universities in Greater Manchester, alongside a student ambassador-led financial education programme
Participants to compete for rent support until the end of the academic year, reflecting rising housing pressure
New Experian spending analysis shows student card spending fell year on year as more income is absorbed by fixed living costs, particularly rent
Manchester, UK – 18th February 2026 – Experian has today launched a new student financial education campaign in Manchester, transforming the city into a live, interactive challenge designed to reflect the real financial pressures students face.
The Experian campaign responds to growing evidence that financial pressures are shaping the student experience. New analysis from Experian shows that overall student debit and credit card spending fell by around 6.5% year-on-year between 2024 and 2025, reflecting tighter budgets rather than reduced financial burden.
Experian’s Spend Insights analysis, based on anonymised and aggregated card transaction data, shows students are prioritising essentials such as supermarket shops, which have increased their share of total spend, while discretionary categories are becoming more selective and episodic, due to a growing fixed living cost burden. In Manchester alone, average student rents have risen sharply over the past five years, outpacing increases in student income and maintenance support
To help students navigate these pressures, Experian has launched a new financial education initiative bringing a Student Brand Ambassador programme with a one-day city-wide ‘Credit Quest’ challenge engaging with students at the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford. Students will follow a series of credit-themed clues across physical locations, unlocking bite-sized financial tips, instant rewards and prizes as they progress.
The ‘Credit Quest’ challenge culminates in a city-centre finale, where those who complete the journey and collect key money insights will be entered into a prize draw to have their rent covered until the end of the year -offering tangible support at a time when housing costs remain the biggest pressure on student finances.
Following the Manchester campaign, Experian has set out ambitions to expand the Student Brand Ambassador programme to reach more students across UK, with the first wave of new campuses planned to launch in the autumn of this year. The longer-term aim is to build a national network that supports students year-round and reinforces financial education as a life skill, not a one-off lesson.
The programme is designed to meet students where they are, using peer-to-peer engagement, social-first content and real-world experiences to make financial education feel relevant, practical and accessible. Student ambassadors will continue to share guidance and resources across campus and social platforms throughout the term, encouraging students to engage with Experian’s free Money Modules and credit education tools.
John Webb, Consumer Expert at Experian, said: “University is one of the first moments in life where people are expected to make big financial decisions on their own, often under intense pressure. This initiative is about recognising that, giving them real support, led by their peers. By starting in Manchester and working directly with students, we’re building a programme that helps people feel more confident about money, and better prepared for the future.”
Kellie McAlonan, Chair of NASMA (National Association of Student Money Advisers), commented: “At a time when student funding is not adequately meeting the needs of our students, we know that many are financially vulnerable and turning to commercial borrowing to make ends meet, often with little understanding of the long-term impact this can have on their credit. NASMA welcomes the work that Experian is doing to help students feel more confident about their money, both now and into their future.”
Olivia Lupton, a Student Brand Ambassador at Manchester Metropolitan University, commented: “Money stress is something most students deal with quietly, especially when it comes to rent. Being part of this programme means we can have more open conversations about it and share tools that actually help. It feels good to be involved in something that recognises what students are really going through.”
Experian has a long-standing commitment to improving financial understanding and inclusion, particularly among younger audiences at key life stages. In the UK, the company has previously supported students and young adults through free access to credit reports and scores, practical guidance on building and managing credit, and partnerships focused on helping people understand how everyday financial decisions affect their future options.
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Notes to editors
About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.