Cost of living - top tips
With the cost of living crisis becoming more of an issue each passing day, I wanted to give some tricks and tips on how you can best manage your income and your expenditure and get the most out of your university experience without having to worry too much about money.
Budgeting
Budgeting will be the key word here. You will have a lot of set expenses such as accommodation, bills, food shopping. The list goes on. But ultimately, it's about prioritising some of these key bits and not overspending on them.
Part-time job
Now this one might sound like a bit of an obvious one but getting a part-time job is probably one of the easiest ways to ensure you have the money to cover your expenditure on top of having some spending money left over.
Overdraft
You also have the option of getting an arranged overdraft under a student bank account but it is key that you don't abuse this and ensure that you're aware that it isn't free money. Ultimately, you will have to pay it back at a certain point after you graduate. But it is there as a safety net.
Support
There are support mechanisms out there to support you at your time at university. And one of the main ways is contacting your university wellbeing service.
Hopefully these tips will help you get through university and enjoy the best parts of university.
See you around.
Owen
PS If you have any questions - or tips of your own - post them here.
Budgeting
Budgeting will be the key word here. You will have a lot of set expenses such as accommodation, bills, food shopping. The list goes on. But ultimately, it's about prioritising some of these key bits and not overspending on them.
Part-time job
Now this one might sound like a bit of an obvious one but getting a part-time job is probably one of the easiest ways to ensure you have the money to cover your expenditure on top of having some spending money left over.
Overdraft
You also have the option of getting an arranged overdraft under a student bank account but it is key that you don't abuse this and ensure that you're aware that it isn't free money. Ultimately, you will have to pay it back at a certain point after you graduate. But it is there as a safety net.
Support
There are support mechanisms out there to support you at your time at university. And one of the main ways is contacting your university wellbeing service.
Hopefully these tips will help you get through university and enjoy the best parts of university.
See you around.
Owen
PS If you have any questions - or tips of your own - post them here.
Best money-saving apps
Saving money is really important at the moment so here are some of my favourite money-saving apps.
Splitwise
Splitwise is an app you can use to split bills with your housemates and friends.
Monzo
Monzo is a great app to make international bank transfers and organise your money. It rounds up spending and saves change.
Squirrel
Squirrel is a simple budgeting app made for android users.
Cheers.
Izzy
PS And delete takeaway apps to avoid the temptation.
Saving money is really important at the moment so here are some of my favourite money-saving apps.
Splitwise
Splitwise is an app you can use to split bills with your housemates and friends.
Monzo
Monzo is a great app to make international bank transfers and organise your money. It rounds up spending and saves change.
Squirrel
Squirrel is a simple budgeting app made for android users.
Cheers.
Izzy
PS And delete takeaway apps to avoid the temptation.
Original post by Derby Students
Best money-saving apps
Saving money is really important at the moment so here are some of my favourite money-saving apps.
Splitwise
Splitwise is an app you can use to split bills with your housemates and friends.
Monzo
Monzo is a great app to make international bank transfers and organise your money. It rounds up spending and saves change.
Squirrel
Squirrel is a simple budgeting app made for android users.
Cheers.
Izzy
PS And delete takeaway apps to avoid the temptation.
Saving money is really important at the moment so here are some of my favourite money-saving apps.
Splitwise
Splitwise is an app you can use to split bills with your housemates and friends.
Monzo
Monzo is a great app to make international bank transfers and organise your money. It rounds up spending and saves change.
Squirrel
Squirrel is a simple budgeting app made for android users.
Cheers.
Izzy
PS And delete takeaway apps to avoid the temptation.
This is great,
Looking at how much something is 'per 100g' or 'per litre' really helps, as well as signing up for points cards like clubcard. This tip is mainly grocery shop related though!
It's a cliché, but learn how to batch cook and freeze portions rather than making purchases when hungry and having nothing 'easy'.
Have a look on apps like 'Too Good To Go' for deals on foodstuff that is near date.
Find ways to socialise that doesn't involve eating+drinking out/clubs/taxis etc.
Have a look on apps like 'Too Good To Go' for deals on foodstuff that is near date.
Find ways to socialise that doesn't involve eating+drinking out/clubs/taxis etc.
This is wonderful 
Beyond budgeting
Because we’ve already mentioned budgeting (VERY important), here are some more tips on managing your money:
Student discounts
It’s something that is easy to forget while you’re at university, but as a student you are entitled to a huge range of discounts. Although some may seem small, they always add up! Apps such as UniDays and Student Beans have a big list of discounts for your favourite brands, which are ready to use once you sign up. Always check them before buying something.
Even if you are unsure, you should always enquire about student discounts when buying something in person, no matter where you are. You may surprise yourself and reap the rewards.
Selling items
Selling unused items is a great way of creating another stream of income. For example, apps such as Depop and Vinted are great places to sell clothes that you no longer wear. If you are a hoarder, this could be a perfect option and it could even become a hobby!
eBay is also one of the main places to sell unused items. You can put practically anything on here that you think people may be interested in. Simply create an account and begin selling!
Student nights
If you are someone who enjoys going out to nightclubs and bars, be mindful of how much you spend. Before going to university, you were probably used to the weekend being the prime time to venture out, but this is not the case for student nights. Find out what days the student nights are in the city, as these are the places that will have great offers.
If the nightlife isn’t your scene, there are lots of other options. You may prefer a relaxed meal with friends. Most restaurants will have selected days when they have special offers on food, which you should take advantage of as a student.
Making food
When going to a lecture or seminar, it can be tempting to buy a meal on your break. Although there are delicious offers, this can add up and cause you to be low on money. Instead, you could buy cheap ingredients and make your own lunch before attending classes This could save you a lot of money in the long run!
All the best.
Kyle
Because we’ve already mentioned budgeting (VERY important), here are some more tips on managing your money:
Student discounts
It’s something that is easy to forget while you’re at university, but as a student you are entitled to a huge range of discounts. Although some may seem small, they always add up! Apps such as UniDays and Student Beans have a big list of discounts for your favourite brands, which are ready to use once you sign up. Always check them before buying something.
Even if you are unsure, you should always enquire about student discounts when buying something in person, no matter where you are. You may surprise yourself and reap the rewards.
Selling items
Selling unused items is a great way of creating another stream of income. For example, apps such as Depop and Vinted are great places to sell clothes that you no longer wear. If you are a hoarder, this could be a perfect option and it could even become a hobby!
eBay is also one of the main places to sell unused items. You can put practically anything on here that you think people may be interested in. Simply create an account and begin selling!
Student nights
If you are someone who enjoys going out to nightclubs and bars, be mindful of how much you spend. Before going to university, you were probably used to the weekend being the prime time to venture out, but this is not the case for student nights. Find out what days the student nights are in the city, as these are the places that will have great offers.
If the nightlife isn’t your scene, there are lots of other options. You may prefer a relaxed meal with friends. Most restaurants will have selected days when they have special offers on food, which you should take advantage of as a student.
Making food
When going to a lecture or seminar, it can be tempting to buy a meal on your break. Although there are delicious offers, this can add up and cause you to be low on money. Instead, you could buy cheap ingredients and make your own lunch before attending classes This could save you a lot of money in the long run!
All the best.
Kyle
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