Everyone thinks being a student is the easiest task on the planet. But it’s not. You’ve been hurled into life at the deep end and left alone to work out how the world works. You have a brain to feed, and obligations to fill and, what’s more, you also have learn how to manage your money at a time in your life where you have never been so free to spend it, and on so many cool things.
That’s where we come in. Unlike parents and guardians and sensible people, we’re not just going to tell you that financial success is simply a matter of keeping on top of your outgoings and cutting down on bad spending habits. No, we’re going to provide you with a bunch of ways to help you stretch your dollar as far as possible. Enjoy.
1. Only shop at places where they offer student discounts. We know this sounds entirely limiting and a sacrifice that isn’t entirely worthwhile, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many retailers offer students discounts.
2. Use public transport as much as possible. Don’t use your car. In fact, sell your car while you’re a student and put this money into a high-interest savings account and then buy a better car when you’ve finished being a student. Also, don’t take taxi’s unless you really have to, in which case try and use a cheaper option, like Uber, and then split the fare with as many people as possible.
3. Don’t live on your own. Living on your own is expensive compared to living with others, simply because the more people there are the less rent you’ll pay and the more you can divide up the cost of the bills. Also, try and negotiate a lower rent with your landlord, but make him see this as a good idea by explaining how you will promise to be the tidiest and easiest tenants in the history of renting.
4. When you’re buying textbooks, try and buy used ones while at the same time try and sell your old ones back. It’s a nifty tip that could save you a lot of money over the course of your tuition. Alternatively, why not see if the books you need are in the library and save yourself a lot of money and hassle.
5. See what your university or college offers in terms of facilities. A ot of the time you’ll find this is a really cost-effective way of living daily life. For example, if you’re suffering on the back end of Fresher’s Week and decide you need to join a gym, then see if your place of education offers this service. Chances are it’ll be cheaper than any in town.
6. Become a regular on eBay and Gumtree and Craigslist. Selling stuff that you don’t need online is a fantastic way to make a few extra bucks.
7. Take advantage of as many free services as you can. If you like going into town and you have been given a free bus pass, then use the bus. If you love music, then use Spotify or YouTube. If you’re a film nut, invest in Netflix instead of constantly going to the cinema.
8. Don’t go food shopping on an empty stomach, and when you do go food shopping try and buy their own brand instead of the big brand names.
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