General advice

There are many second-hand, or charity, shops near the main campus. It may be well worth popping into them to see what you can find. Some of them have new 'designer-label' seconds in stock.

Look out for shops and services offering student discounts, and use your student card to get discounts at shops and services.

At the start of the academic session , you will be offered free booklets full of discount vouchers, be sure to make use of them!

Jot down your spending for two to four weeks to find out where your money is going. It may shock you to find out how much you spend on little things, like magazines or coffee.

The best way to manage your money over the course of a semester is to sit down and map out a budget. List sources of income such as loans, earnings from part-time jobs and cash you may be given as well as expenses, such as books, rent and groceries. Alternatively use our calculator to help you.

If you know you need to buy a new CD or go to concert every week, make room for that in your budget. Set aside some money for entertainment. After all, university isn't only about studying.

Give yourself a spending limit for each week. Stick to it and you won't have to eat beans on toast every day!

Try to avoid using credit cards. If you must use them, use them sparingly. Once you get into the habit of reaching for a credit card, it can be hard to stop. If you do have to use them, only use them to purchase items you know you can afford. Pay them off in full each month.

If you know a big expense is coming e.g. a family event, or a time when you buy presents for friends and relatives, start putting some money aside to pay for gifts each week or month.