How financially healthy are you?

Being a student is ace! You can make lots of friends, you can learn a lot about yourself and develop your skills & knowledge. But did you know, one of the things that you also learn whilst being a student is how to manage your money. However, some manage well and some manage not so well. If you are new to managing money and struggle making the money last until that next instalment many universities have specialist staff who can help you with things like budgeting and managing your money in a better way? Talk to your university and find out more about your university offers.

Whilst we are on the topic of money and budgeting – for those of you studying now… have you thought about budgeting until your next instalment in January? Do you currently budget well or are you desperate for that next Student Finance instalment?

Things to consider…

1. Helping the planet – thinking of buying a new winter coat or some new winter jumpers? Try calling in at your local second-hand shop and see if you can pick up a bargain. Not only are your helping the environment and saving yourself some money but you are also helping a charity which in turn which help good causes. Find local Charity Shops by postcode or town. Charity Retail Association

2. Need to shop elsewhere? Look for the best deals online – shop around. Use your student discount https://www.totum.com/ and https://www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB and make the most of what these have to offer.

3. Think about signing up to a free cash back website and allow your cashback to build up over a year – then treat yourself! https://www.quidco.com/ or https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ to name a couple but there are many cashback websites so shop around for the best deal and make sure this is free!

4. Finally… budget! Many people can be scared about thinking of what their budget is, what their incomings and outgoing are. However, you will find once you sit down and fill in a budget sheet you can clearly see what you have left. If this isn’t a lot, don’t panic! Your university can help in various different ways! Maybe directing you to local part time work (working as an ambassador at your university or finding work near to the university in shops or restaurants, make sure you don’t do too many hours so you have a happy balance of study, work and play!) or directing you to the university hardship fund (if finances are really struggling) there are staff with the specialist skills and knowledge to help you. Just reach out to them because they are there to help you!

Staffordshire university have a dedicated Money & Guidance Advisors to help all students whether undergraduate or postgraduate. We have also joined forces with Blackbullion which is a fabulous organisation which provides advice and information (including advice on budgeting) to all Staffordshire University students for free!