Budgeting Tips

We know it’s not the most fun having to live on a budget but it really will make things easier for you. Students often run out of money towards the end of term and then have to really cut back at Christmas. If you budget now it will help ensure you have enough money to enjoy the whole of the term.

Here are some tips:

• One of the best bits about being a student is the discounts loads of retailers offer you.
  
• Look on department notice boards to see if second hand books are on sale or check out our facebook group for some bargains!
  
• Share costs with friends. Buying things for a new house or apartment? Divide up the expenses, you don’t need four of everything.
• You can also get together with friends to cook meals - cooking in bulk often helps to save the euros. Check out our cooking  section for some tasty ideas.
• Printing costs add up so help your wallet and the environment by printing double sided.
• Allow yourself “good time money”- if you know there is a concert you want to go to or a new CD out next week work it in to your budget.
• Pay bills online, its free  of charge!
• If you travel a lot invest in a student bus transportation card and where possible book up your trips in advance, you often get the cheapest tickets by doing so.
• Look out for supermarket own brands and special offers at the supermarket. Make use of the loyalty schemes most supermarkets offer. It sounds really obvious but make a list and stick to it, this will help prevent you buying things you really don’t need.
• For any smokers out there sorry to state the obvious but attempting to crack the habit really will save you money. For advice and support on quitting check out www.stopsmokingcenter.net
• If you can, transfer your student loan into a separate savings account to earn interest, and feed it into your student account as you need it.
• Don’t waste your money withdrawing cash at ATMs that charge you, always use the free ones!