Saving Money When You Go to University

If you are going to be heading off to University in the next few weeks, then it can be a pretty exciting time. There are a lot of new things to sort and organise, though, from where you are going to be living, to student loans and sorting out your finances for the next few years. There is a lot to think about, and it can be a pretty expensive time if you don’t think properly about what you want to do and how you will keep on top of finances, as well as all of your work and assignments.

Students are known for spending a lot and just eating beans for dinner, but you can enjoy yourself and still not go crazy. With that in mind, here are your money saving tips for any students; good luck!

Saving Money When You Go to University

Live with students

If you are moving somewhere further away for University and there aren’t student halls left to rent, then try to find somewhere to live with other students. For example, if you have moved to Paris for university, there are lots of options for cheap accommodation in paris for students that will likely have others similar to you applying. Part of living with other students is that it gives you the most authentic university experience possible and can make your time more enjoyable. The other more crucial point is that if you rented a room in a house with professionals, then that house will be subject to council tax. When you’re a student house it doesn’t need to be paid, so you’ll be saving yourself a lot of money each year, which can be used for making the most of your time in university.

Budgeting

Sorting out your budget needs to be one of the first things that you look to do. Life will look a little different now, especially if you are going to be living somewhere other than home with your parents. So sorting out a budget is really key. If you are applying for student finance, you need to do that sooner rather than later, in order to know what you’re eligible for and what you’ll have coming in each time. Will parents be helping you financially when you’re away? How about a part-time job? Factor in all of these things, and then you’ll have an idea of what money will be coming in and what money will be going out. Then you can go from there.

Student Bank Account

If you can make the most of a new student bank account, then it is something that is worth looking into. There are a number of benefits that come from a bank account that is specifically for students, such as an interest-free overdraft, as well as some perks like mobile phone insurance. Of course, you want to budget to not go overdrawn, but if you’re going to be overdrawn, it helps to not have to pay anything extra for it, so it can be a helpful buffer.

Look out for freebies

When you live in an area with a University, there are always going to be a lot of deals and discounts for students. This is a good idea to make the most of, if you would be spending the money anyway. You should also look out for sites online that offer freebies and coupons, because getting some free food is always a good idea when you are a student. A little shopping around and looking for freebies can go a long way, as money can be tight when you’re at Uni. Your student union can be a good place to look too.

Remember student discount

If you are going to be buying some items in particular, and would be doing so anyway, then make sure you wait to do it until you have a student discount to use. For example, Apple offer15% discount to students. So if you would be getting a new laptop or computer for your studies anyway, wait until you’ve got your official student card, and then you can get the discount. A lot of big retailers use this, from clothing shops to furniture, so when you’re getting kitted out for University it can be most helpful.

Register to Vote

If you want to get set up with a mobile phone contract in your name, rather than a parents, or want access to other lines of credit, then it helps if you are registered on the electoral roll. This means that you will be eligible to vote next time there is an election, local or general, but it proves who you are and can make things like renting and getting credit easier in the future.

Good luck on your adventure to University and your future studies. With a little know-how you can live within your means but still enjoy the full University experience