Experian Launches Manchester Student Finance Initiative to Address Rising Living Costs Through Education and Real World Engagement

Experian Launches Manchester Student Finance Initiative to Address Rising Living Costs Through Education and Real World Engagement

(IN BRIEF) Experian has introduced a Manchester-based financial education campaign combining a city-wide interactive challenge with a peer-led ambassador programme to help students navigate rising living costs. The initiative is informed by spending data showing reduced discretionary spending as rent and other fixed expenses absorb more of students’ income. By offering practical tools, education, and the chance to receive rent support, Experian aims to strengthen financial confidence and expand the model to universities across the UK.

(PRESS RELEASE) MANCHESTER, 19-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Experian has launched a city-wide financial education initiative in Manchester aimed at helping students better understand and manage money pressures, combining peer-led learning with an interactive challenge format across several universities in the region.

The campaign transforms Manchester into a live engagement environment where students can take part in a one-day “Credit Quest” experience while also benefiting from an ongoing Student Brand Ambassador programme. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with students from University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and University of Salford.

Experian said the programme responds to mounting evidence that financial strain is reshaping student life. Its latest Spend Insights analysis found overall student debit and credit card expenditure declined by roughly 6.5 percent between 2024 and 2025, suggesting tightening budgets rather than reduced costs. The data indicates students are allocating a greater share of spending to essentials such as groceries while discretionary purchases are becoming less frequent, reflecting the growing impact of fixed expenses, particularly rent.

The Credit Quest challenge guides participants through locations across the city using credit-themed clues that unlock short financial education tips, rewards, and incentives. Students who complete the experience and gather key insights will be entered into a prize draw offering rent support for the remainder of the academic year, directly addressing one of the most significant financial burdens they face.

Beyond the one-day event, the Student Brand Ambassador programme is designed to maintain engagement throughout the term using peer-to-peer communication, social media content, and on-campus activities. Ambassadors will promote Experian’s free Money Modules and other credit education tools, aiming to build long-term financial confidence rather than deliver a one-off intervention.

John Webb, Consumer Expert at Experian, said the initiative recognises that university is often the first time young people must make major financial decisions independently, and that practical, peer-led guidance can help them navigate these challenges more confidently.

Kellie McAlonan, Chair of the National Association of Student Money Advisers, welcomed the programme, noting that many students are increasingly vulnerable to borrowing without fully understanding the long-term effects on their financial future.

Student ambassador Olivia Lupton highlighted the importance of open conversations around financial stress, particularly housing costs, adding that the initiative offers tools that feel relevant to students’ everyday realities.

Experian plans to expand the ambassador-led model to additional UK campuses beginning in the autumn, with the long-term objective of building a nationwide network focused on improving financial literacy among young adults.

Notes to editors

• Data source: Experian Spend Insights, based on consented, anonymised and aggregated debit and credit card transaction data. This analysis focuses on Mosaic group R68 “Student Pods”, the segment with the highest student penetration. Card-based spending only; rent and utilities paid via direct debit are not included.
• Campus activity: 9.00am–3.30pm
• City finale: 4.15pm–5.00pm, starting at Manchester Central Library; student brand ambassadors and Experian spokespeople available for interview
• Prize: Entry into a draw for one student to have their rent covered until the end of the year
• University students involved: University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford

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.

Media Contact:

Gerry Tschopp
Head of Global External Communications
+1 714 830 7756
+1 949 677 3377
gerry.tschopp@experian.com

SOURCE: Experian