Four great student finance tips - Video script
Emma Roberts shares some top student saving tips
Emma Roberts shares some top student saving tips
With applications for Universities at an all time high, hundreds of thousands of people are competing for places at Unis across the country. But have they thought about how they’ll deal with their finances when they get there? Here, I’m going to take you through some top money saving tips for new students.
Student Account
Choosing the best student account will really help you fund your studies. But don’t be fooled by gimmicky freebies and instead look for the account with the biggest interest free overdraft.
The Santander student account is a good choice, as it starts with a £1000 interest free overdraft limit for your first year at uni. The account also gives you free mobile phone insurance and insurance on your gadgets. This is really useful for protecting your expensive stuff at uni.
Having an interest free overdraft is the cheapest way of borrowing money, just make sure you don’t go over the limit or you’ll be charged with a hefty interest rate. Check out our current account comparison centre here at lovemoney for the best deals.
Don’t discard discount!
One of the best things about being a student is getting fabulous discounts. It’s worth asking for a student discount everywhere you shop, as even small companies often offer them. Many shops, such as New Look and Dorothy Perkins, even have special promotional periods when they offer 20% off for students!
A great website to check out is studentbeans.com, where students can print loads of useful money-off vouchers.
Budget
It can be tempting to never check your bank balance in fear of what you might find, but ALWAYS keep on top of your statements. Work out how much spending money you have each week after rent and bills and make sure you don’t spend any more than this.
Part Time Job
Many students opt for a part time job to earn extra cash and even if you only do one or two shifts a week, it really helps with your finances. If you’re hard up for money, promotional work is a flexible way to earn a quick quid.
Going to University is such an exciting time. But make sure you keep on top of your finances to ensure the excitement lasts!
Most Recent
Comments
-
Please remember that 'student account' does not apply to all students. For example: the Santander account is not available to postgrads, part-timers, distance learners, international students, those on non-batchelor courses (for example HND or foundation degrees), or those who apply direct to the university (as per many mature students) since they will only accept a UCAS acceptance letter as proof of studentship. An investigation was done by my PGCE group in our local city centre - we all drew a bank to ask about their student account. Our results showed that most banks do not accept all students. Answers ranged from 'Aren't you a bit old to be a student?' to 'You got all the benefits when you did your degree, don't expect them again (a mite unfair for those of us who didn't do a degree, but have life experience instead)' to 'you can only apply on campus' (entertaining, had she not heard that Man Met has buildings throughout the city - including one a few hundred yards from her office? Apparently not) If you are any of the above, do also bug your union until they give you an NUS card, as for many of us it's not automatic. They do take the membership fee out of your college fees, so make sure you get your money's worth! If they give you any grief, turn up to the General Meetings and shout about it - your memebership entitles you to, however much they try to tell you otherwise
REPORT This comment has been reported. -
Saki is a Japanese drink. Not Chinese.
REPORT This comment has been reported. -
A good tip is to go to China on an exchange; the cost of living is so low there. It costs around £17,000 for an undergraduate at my local university but in China it's only £800; add a couple of hundred for beer, cider and saki and you could have a good time too! They do Tae Kwon Do after classes so you keep fit and relax with yoga and Tai Chi. They do have the death penalty if you get caught with drugs and half a dozen students at the university I have contact with were murdered in the past year; but those are petty details...
REPORT This comment has been reported.
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature
12 August 2010