How to Save Money as a Student
Being a student is great fun. For the first time your away from home, nobody can tell you what to do, - and thats where the problems begin. Living away from home is expensive. When you live at home the only thing you save up for is a new games console or TV. At university you find yourself saving up for things a little different. Bills and rent need to be paid. Not quite as exciting really.
There are four essential categories in university finances. Rent, Bills, Food and Alcohol. The order of importance may vary depending on the person. The question is how can you afford all this with little to no income.
The advantage of being a student is that banks are more than willing to throw money at you, the challenge is not running out of that money. Here are some money saving ideas for your time as a student.
Unfortunately there is no way to save on Rent. Paying monthly might work better for you. Paying every three months may give you a bit of a shock when you check your balance.
Bills are also non negotiable but of course you can do everything possible to save money on them. You can save money on your gas bill by not turning on the heating during the day. Leave the heating on low at night so the house warms up. Leave doors closed so as not to let any heat escape and be prepared to wear jumpers and socks.
You can save on your electricity by turning off all appliances. Don’t leave things on standby, not only does this waste a lot of energy but its also a fire hazard. When washing clothes and dishes don’t use the dry sequence, leave them to air dry. Changing all your bulbs to energy saving bulbs will help a lot too.
Another great tip on saving money on bills are economy plans. At night energy is much cheaper. Some companies offer special plans that give you cheaper rates at night. Ordinarily you would pay day time rates at night but with these plans the price you pay is reduced greatly at night. This service does vary with providers.
Its always best to look around at utilities companies. Some will offer discounts if you use more than one of their services. To save money on the phone bill look at getting the internet and phone with the same company.
Saving money on food just means no luxuries. If your vegetarian your shopping will already be cheaper but consider farmers markets for your fruit and veg. Its exactly the same as the supermarket goods and is usually cheaper.
Meat is where most of your shopping budget goes. Instead of buying expensive cuts of meat buy cheaper ones. Mid range sausages are usually pretty cheap and have more meat content than the cheaper ranges ones. A whole free range chicken can stretch quite far too. The different cuts can be used for a few meals and the carcass for stocks and soups.
Always go to the supermarket with a list of absolute essentials. Don’t buy anything else unless its discounted or on offer.
Saving money on Alcohol means taking advantage of as many offers as you can. Supermarkets have the best value and deals. Shop around if you can.
Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Birmingham airport hotels, Sofitel Gatwick and Gatwick Maple Manor.