We have put together the following tips to help you to manage your money.
Preparing a budget plan will help you to avoid overspending and will also help you to plan for the future.
Keeping a daily track of the items you buy will give you an idea of how much money you are actually spending and will assist you with setting a realistic budget.
Make sure you are in receipt of the full level of student financial support available to you. If you have any questions about student funding, you can contact us via email: MoneyMatters@royalholloway.ac.uk
Many students have a part-time job while they study. Employment will not only boost your income, but you will be gaining invaluable experience and it is good for your CV too. The Careers Service can help you to find graduate vacancies, placements, part-time paid and voluntary work while you are studying.
Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. They usually come via a telephone call, an email or by post. Scammers will try to obtain your personal information to open bank accounts, get credit cards and loans, claim state benefits and create documents such as passports and driving licenses in your name. These criminals are clever, and all kinds of people from all walks of life get duped. You can find tips on how to avoid fraud on the following websites:
Plan for extra expenditure such as start of term costs, special occasions and family birthdays. This will help you avoid overspending or using credit.
Look out for deals, such as special offer haircuts and take advantage of money off vouchers, BOGOFs (buy one get one free) offers and student deals in restaurants or at the cinema. Use your NUS card to get money off at your favourite retailers. National and regional offers are listed on student-focused discount websites like Student Beans.
The amount spent on travel varies. Research different deals you can get for traveling. For example, Student Rail Cards and bus passes. If you intend to do a lot of travelling it can work out cheaper to invest in one or both. Also find out how to cut the cost of train travel by visiting the Student Beans site.
Don't buy every book on the reading lists, check which books will be essential and use the library as much as possible. There are always second hand books being sold in or around the University by people who have finished the course you are studying. Amazon and eBay are great places to buy and sell used textbooks. Also, check out the campus notice boards and bookshops.
Get help
The Money & Funding Advisers are available throughout the year to provide guidance and assistance to students in need of financial advice. Take advantage of them - the advice will be free and they can help you manage your money better. You can email the Wellbeing: Financial Advice team for more support.