Santander opens new branch at Plymouth University

Santander has opened a new campus-based branch at Plymouth University as part of its commitment to support and build on our existing activity with universities and students throughout the UK.

The new Santander branch was opened by Luis Juste, Director of Santander Universities UK, Professor Wendy Purcell, VC of Plymouth University and Emma Lloyd, Branch Manager yesterday (Thursday).

The branch will offer full banking services to students, staff and the general public.

Professor Wendy Purcell, VC of Plymouth University said: “We are delighted to welcome Santander onto campus as we continue to develop our relationship and build on the vital support they already offer our students, academics and staff.”

The branch opening builds on the existing partnership between Santander Universities and Plymouth University put in place in April 2011. The agreement offers the University access to over £200,000 of funding for a wide range of scholarships, travel mobility grants, awards, research and entrepreneurial activities as well as 30 part-funded internship opportunities with local SMEs each year.

Luis Juste, Director of Santander Universities UK said: “We are really pleased to open this new branch which makes it easier for the university community to access our products and services and we look forward to supporting students and staff at Plymouth University.”

Santander UK announced earlier this year its exclusive contract with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to provide the 16-25 Railcard for the next four years.  Santander’s 16-25 Railcard is available free to those aged 16-25, in full-time education, who open a new Santander student account for the first time.  The Railcard, which usually costs £30 per year, will save students one third on most rail fares, resulting in an average saving of £174 per year, according to ATOC.

Santander, through its Santander Universities Global Division, has supported higher education in the UK since 2007 by providing funding towards scholarships, mobility grants, internships with SMEs, entrepreneurial activities and more.  Currently 71 UK universities are partnering with the bank with 1,020 universities in 20 countries worldwide. In 2012 alone the bank invested €130 million in Universities.