Top student money saving tips

Last Updated on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:56
collegemoney

We want to help students as much as possible as the financial pressure has never been so heavy since the Government increased tuition fees. So we have prepared some tips for students on how to save money so you can manage your finances easier.
Invest in Student Rail Cards
If you are in full time education and aged between 16-25 years old you should purchase a Student Railcard. You can purchase the card for a year or three years and gives you a 33% discount on train journeys in the UK. This is a massive saving and as the Train is more than likely going to be your main source of transport and that public transport is not cheap this is essential.
NUS Extra Card
For just £12 a year you can get a NUS extra card which will entitle you to a huge amount of savings for a variety of items. On average you can save approximately £500 pounds per year on food and drink, travel, mobile tariffs and phones, entertainments, gym membership, Amazon and many other essential outlets. Never go anywhere without your NUS card and always ask for a discount or if the outlets accepts student/NUS discounts.
Cook from Scratch
Buying ingredients and cooking from scratch is massively cheaper than buying ready meals from the supermarket or eating a take away. It is also much healthier and much more rewarding when you cook a meal yourself, it just takes a little but longer and a bit of practice. With no end of guides and tips on home cooking available online you can find literally hundreds or recipes and it is not as difficult as it may seem.
Also buy in bulk, non perishable foods such as pasta are great to buy. Try not to buy individually if you can, see if you can do group shopping trips with your housemates. When you go shopping always make a list and stick to it, if you wonder around not really knowing what you need then it is very likely that you will buy things you don't need. Finally, try not to go shopping when you're hungry or hung-over. The impulse buys for short term relief does not last long and can put a dent in your wallet as well.
Watch TV Online
You only need to buy a UK TV licence if you watch or record TV as it is broadcast. So if you want to save money on your TV licence then watch catch up TV online. BBC iPlayer, 4oD, and ITV player are all platforms that you can watch TV for free. You can connect your laptop or computer to your TV, stream from a media device such as a games console and enjoy many hours of free television without paying a penny.
Computer Software
Microsoft Office is an essential piece of software for any student - but it does not come cheap, student versions of Office 2010 can set you back £100. However these days there are a great selection of free alternatives such as OpenOffice and LibreOffice which are all cross compatible and legit pieces of software, all completely free.
Drink at Home
Even the reduced prices at your student union bar can cost you a lot when you visit them so regularly! We are not suggesting that you don't go out or enjoy yourself but if you're planning a night out then have a few drinks at home before you go out as this will save you money when you're out. For the price of 3 or 4 shot's with a mixer you can probably buy an entire bottle at the supermarket or off-licence.
It is important to socialise but if you want to save money invite friends over to your house first then hit the town. You can half the cost of the night by doing this.
Family Planning Clinic
Having safe sex is very important but does not have to be expensive. Don't waste money on buying condoms and visit your family planning clinic where you can get condoms for free. Also some clinics offer free sexual health test and free advice.
Tyneside Lettings Company specialise is providing student accommodation in Newcastle, with a big choice of student housing in Newcastle available to rent for all students.
By Anthony Saxon
We want to help students as much as possible as the financial pressure has never been so heavy since the Government increased tuition fees. So we have prepared some tips for students on how to save money so you can manage your finances easier.

Invest in Student Rail Cards
If you are in full time education and aged between 16-25 years old you should purchase a Student Railcard. You can purchase the card for a year or three years and gives you a 33% discount on train journeys in the UK. This is a massive saving and as the Train is more than likely going to be your main source of transport and that public transport is not cheap this is essential.

NUS Extra Card
For just $12 a year you can get a NUS extra card which will entitle you to a huge amount of savings for a variety of items. On average you can save approximately £500 pounds per year on food and drink, travel, mobile tariffs and phones, entertainments, gym membership, Amazon and many other essential outlets. Never go anywhere without your NUS card and always ask for a discount or if the outlets accepts student/NUS discounts.

Cook from Scratch
Buying ingredients and cooking from scratch is massively cheaper than buying ready meals from the supermarket or eating a take away. It is also much healthier and much more rewarding when you cook a meal yourself, it just takes a little but longer and a bit of practice. With no end of guides and tips on home cooking available online you can find literally hundreds or recipes and it is not as difficult as it may seem.
Also buy in bulk, non perishable foods such as pasta are great to buy. Try not to buy individually if you can, see if you can do group shopping trips with your housemates. When you go shopping always make a list and stick to it, if you wonder around not really knowing what you need then it is very likely that you will buy things you don't need. Finally, try not to go shopping when you're hungry or hung-over. The impulse buys for short term relief does not last long and can put a dent in your wallet as well.

Watch TV Online
You only need to buy a UK TV licence if you watch or record TV as it is broadcast. So if you want to save money on your TV licence then watch catch up TV online. BBC iPlayer, 4oD, and ITV player are all platforms that you can watch TV for free. You can connect your laptop or computer to your TV, stream from a media device such as a games console and enjoy many hours of free television without paying a penny.

Computer Software
Microsoft Office is an essential piece of software for any student - but it does not come cheap, student versions of Office 2010 can set you back £100. However these days there are a great selection of free alternatives such as OpenOffice and LibreOffice which are all cross compatible and legit pieces of software, all completely free.

Drink at Home
Even the reduced prices at your student union bar can cost you a lot when you visit them so regularly! We are not suggesting that you don't go out or enjoy yourself but if you're planning a night out then have a few drinks at home before you go out as this will save you money when you're out. For the price of 3 or 4 shot's with a mixer you can probably buy an entire bottle at the supermarket or off-licence.

It is important to socialise but if you want to save money invite friends over to your house first then hit the town. You can half the cost of the night by doing this.

Family Planning Clinic
Having safe sex is very important but does not have to be expensive. Don't waste money on buying condoms and visit your family planning clinic where you can get condoms for free. Also some clinics offer free sexual health test and free advice.

Tyneside Lettings Company specialise is providing student accommodation in Newcastle, with a big choice of student housing in Newcastle available to rent for all students.

By Anthony Saxon

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