As a student, you are expected to take responsibility for your finances as well as your studies. Most students leave university with some amount of debt (mainly from student loans) but it is possible for your debt problems to worsen if you aren't careful with your spending. Credit card, overdraft and loan payments all make it difficult for graduates to progress in their working life after university.
This guide has already looked at a few general ways of saving money, covering bigger costs such as rent and monthly food shopping. However, there are many other things to think about when it comes to student money management. The following are a few more helpful tips:
- Buy clothes from charity shops, markets and discount outlets – it's the same stuff, but far cheaper. Designer labels are a luxury not ever student can afford.
- Compare prices before buying anything, from insurance to computer equipment. The best deal sometimes takes a little time and effort to find.
- Get cheaper course books by buying them second-hand on campus or on eBay, and sharing expensive or rare copies with friends on the same course as you.
- Ask for a student discount using your NUS card on everything from haircuts to stationary – it never hurts to ask!
- Walk or cycle rather than take the bus. If you need to travel further, get a young person's rail card or bus season ticket for a weighty discount.
- Look for cut-price nights or student offers at local cinemas and theatres
