Loans, books, overpriced cost of printing (we know right?!), getting about in a new city and learning to adult for the first time is pretty rough, it’s time to manage the f*ck out of your money so you can do it all without your finances getting you down.
1 – Avoid the beer fear
Okay, you’ve checked your sent messages after a boozy brunch, you’ve checked your socials and you’ve not been tagged in anything embarrassing. Now it’s time to check your bank balance and the beer fear is setting in. It’s so easy to offer to get the rounds in, to offer to get the Uber there and back, what’s one more drink? You need to set yourself an allowance. Many apps and banks offer a “pot” that you can access and keep track of what your spending, check in on your night out to avoid those post drinks blues.
2 – Swap and save
Your closest supermarket isn’t always the cheapest work out where you can get deals on your favourites. It’s often worth shopping around to get the best bargains and the savings often add up. When your student loan drops, stock up on the items you’ll need like laundry tablets, toilet paper and super noodles.
3 – Figure out what’s important
Doing what you love often comes at a cost, whether it be a gym membership, your amazon basket or train tickets to go home, very little comes for free. Don’t let yourself feel guilty for setting money aside to fund the stuff you love, it’s all about balance.
4 – Get it together
You need to know where you stand. Find out your credit score, note down when your direct debits are coming out and get your sh*t together. Putting your head in the sand is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to managing your money, know what’s coming over the hill and put yourself back in control.
5 – Know your subscriptions
Whether it’s apps, movies, audiobooks, music or next day delivery, those subscriptions add up. Look into what subscriptions offer student discounts and cancel the ones that you aren’t using anymore. When subscriptions are inexpensive, it’s easy to watch the money leave your account but it all adds up.
6 – Online shopping addiction
Nowadays it seems like it’s the only way to get some much-needed retail theory. We can’t control our thumbs when it comes to online shopping, but always go by the rule, for every pound it costs will you wear it that amount of times? A top is £30, will you wear it 30 times? If the answer is no but you can’t help yourself, then be sure to sell it on after you no longer wear it, Depop is a great option along with loads others.
7 – Apps that can help manage your money
8 – Let’s talk discounts
Look into what services you use and whether there is a student discount available. For cards that offer you access to discounts that cost, work out if you’ll get your money worth. For example, travel by train often? Then it’s definitely worth getting a railcard. Some popular cards for shopping discounts are UniDays, Totum or NUS. There are other companies that offer student discounts like Spotify, many gyms and most high street stores.
