Mind the Gap

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Money saving tips

  • Be cheeky – ask for student discount! The worst they can say is no!

  • Look out for discount cards at places you visit regularly. Jesters, Varsity and HMV all have their own discount card to help you save money.

  • If you are looking for a part time job, look for something flexible to fit around your studies. Have you thought of working for the University?

  • Try and buy some food items with your housemates. Things like butter, milk and bread could be shared to save money.

  • Cooking with friends is a great way to share costs. Try and eat together once a week or more – it’s social and saves money!

  • Be careful where you shop! Places like Spar, One Stop and Co-op are designed for convenience, not cheapness.

  • Do a budget – only by doing so will you be able to easily see how much money you have and how much you don’t have!

  • Don’t just buy the special offers! Special offers are great, but make sure they’re actually saving you money (the bright labels take your attention away from the fact that you're only saving a few pence) and don’t buy things you won’t use!

  • Make full use of the on-campus markets – you can pick up some great deals especially for students!

  • Keep track of your bank account; keep your bank statements filed and to hand in case of emergencies!

  • Don’t get stressed about money! The more you stress, the worse the problem. There is help available – all you need to do is ask! There is the Students Union Advice and Information Centre, Financial Information and Assistance team or you can ask a question in the Q&A section above!

  • Cooking on a budget vol 1: tuna pasta salad

    Ingredients: pasta shells or twists, a tin of tuna, vinegar, pesto and mayonnaise

    1. Cook pasta according to packet, drain and put into a bowl
    2. Add mayo and vinegar to taste and mix well with pasta
    3. Open tuna and add to bowl, add pesto, mix well
    4. Serve!

    As an option, why not add some lemon juice or walnuts?

  • Visit the bank and get a student bank account. Most offer an interest free overdraft which comes in really handy as a buffer when things get tight towards loan time!

  • Get a TV License! If you have a TV in your room then you need a TV License of your own. You can get these at the post office and next year you can claim back from not using the TV over the summer. The fine for being caught without one is £1,000!!

  • Look into Contents Insurance! If your room is packed full of electrical goods like TV, DVD player, films, MP3 players, digital cameras and even the odd musical instrument then you could be looking at a fair bit of money to replace things should they get broken or go missing. Look to insure yourself!