Dealing with financial worries while studying

We know all too well how much of a challenge studying is; if it isn’t the course demand, it’s the stress of finances. We’ve referred to a few themes where you’re most likely to fall into financial strains, and dished out solution. Enjoy!

COURSE MATERIAL

All students will need tools and equipment for courses (some more than others). We’re going to help you save money on the basic stuff you’d need to study with, and so if you have any queries about other materials, drop us a message.

When it comes to books, find out what reading is absolutely essential to buy and what you can find online or rent from the library. Similarly, when it comes to printing, it might be cheaper to have your own printer (and sharing ink costs with housemates) than use university facilities – it may save you queuing for ages to do so on deadline days.

CLOTHING

More than likely, you’ll want to splash your student loan on something irrelevant to your studies, but think before you spend. Wit comes to books, find out what reading is absolutely essential to buy and what you can find online or rent from the library. Similarly, when it comes to printing, it might be cheaper to have your own printer (and sharing ink costs with housemates) than use university facilities – it may save you queuing for ages to do so on deadline days.

I but you’ll regret blowing your clothes budget in the first week. Save money by:

• making the most of student discounts in shops (and online by checking out deals on sites such as MyUniDays).
• find extra discounts and money back by shopping online through cashback websites.
• consider clothes swapping – try online on websites such as Vinted, or host your own clothes swapping party for a fun, cheap alternative to shopping!

TRANSPORT

Whether it’s a bus to lectures or travelling back home for the holidays, you’ll need to factor in travel costs. To help, there are student travel cards out there to help you reduce the costs of getting around:

• 16-25 Railcard:just £30 a year to get a third off your rail fares – very useful if you’ll be travelling home on the train for holidays and weekends.
• 18+ Student Oyster Photocard: pay a £20 admin fee for 30% off London travelcard costs. You must live at a London address in term-time to be able to apply.
• National Express Young Persons Coachcard:£10 a year (plus £2.50 p&p) for a third off coach fares.

For added savings, plan ahead and book in advance if possible. Also, when sorting out off-campus housing, keep in mind travel costs to get to campus when picking your location.