New digital finance platform launches for Imperial students

The new platform, Blackbullion, is being provided to students for free and hosts features intended to support good financial health.

What is Blackbullion?

Blackbullion is a digital financial learning platform designed to provide Imperial students with money skills for life. Blackbullion is free for all of the Imperial community and gives access to a full range of online learning pathways and tools to help users manage their finances.

“The College knows that 2020 has been an unprecedented year in terms of student finance and employability. It has never been more important to have a good sense of your financial resilience and knowledge.”Tom Pearson

Tom Pearson, Head of Student Financial Support, said: “The College knows that 2020 has been an unprecedented year in terms of student finance and employability. It has never been more important to have a good sense of your financial resilience and knowledge.

“You can complete Blackbullion’s online financial pathways at your own pace and increase your financial literacy. The platform is also available for College staff, ensuring it provides maximum benefit across our community.

“Sign-up for money boot camps and 21-day saving challenges, or jump on the budget calculator tool to understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going.

“This platform has been specifically created with students’ needs in mind, and we hope it becomes an integral part of how many individuals gain – or regain – confidence in their finances.”

Accessing the platform

To access Blackbullion, Imperial students should follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Blackbullion website

2. Click ‘Sign up’ to register

3. In ‘Your email’ box, enter a Imperial College email address

4. In ‘Your password’ box, create a password

5. Once registered, students and staff can log in and start using the platform

Stay safe online

It is important to be alert and on the lookout for suspicious activity online, especially when dealing with finances. The College’s ‘Be Secure (IT Security)’ page provides additional tips on how to stay safe online.

Scholarships and additional financial support funds

All students can search for available scholarships in one place using the College’s scholarships search tool.

The Student Support Fund was created in 2016 to support students going through unexpected financial hardship. With additional funds from the COVID Hardship Scheme, this support has been extended and expanded and has now resulted in approximately £70,000 having been awarded to 60 students since the start of the pandemic.

The Hardship Scheme supports staff who are experiencing financial hardship through the provision of a one-off payment. The scheme is funded by voluntary reductions in the President’s, Provost’s, President’s Board’s and other senior staff members’ salaries.