Create a budget that covers you and leaves a little extra
Successfully navigating your student years doesn’t just mean keeping an eye on costs. Learning now how to best manage your money can be an enriching experience.
Ensuring you have enough cash not only to survive, but also to thrive as a student is tough – and takes some careful planning, however… it can be done! Here’s how to stay on top of your finances and make the most of being at university.
B is for… budgeting
Paying for university is more than funding your tuition. If you live in halls or a student flat, you’ll also need to pay for living costs such as rent and bills, and day-to-day expenses including food and travel.
The best way of managing your money is to budget. Planning ahead will give you the greatest chance of staying solvent.
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It’s better to know that you have a problem than to bury your head in the sand
Budget calculator
Think of your budget as a financial health check: it shows you where you’re at (and fixes any problems) and helps keep you on the right track until your next check-up. You should aim to review your budget every four to six months, or every term if you prefer, so you know exactly where you stand.
How to manage your day-to-day spending
Want to know where your money goes? Tracking your outgoings is the only way to keep your budget ‘in the black’.
It might not be glamorous, but it’ll help see you all the way through to graduation and set you up with good habits that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life. It’s easy to stay on top of what you spend.
Making ends meet: discounts and deals
Savvy students know that there are ways of making money go further. When you are out and about or buying something, don’t be too shy to ask if any student discount applies. Even having an ‘ac.uk’ email address could help.
Here are some tips and tricks to add to your accounting arsenal:
Food
- Find out where your supermarket’s reduced section is and what time of day they start slashing costs, and make it your first port of call when shopping.
Travel
- Sometimes you have to get the bus or the train.
Student stuff
- Never buy new if you can get a recycled book for less.
Vouchers
- Everyone loves a freebie so always check to see if there’s a discount to be had.