Wednesday 28-09-2016 - 14:00

Hi everyone!

My name is Hannah, your Welfare Officer, and I thought I should write a little something about money since Student Finance has been paid and I want to make sure everyone gets the most out of every pound. As well as my own more general top tips, there are tips from members of your SU Officers from their own student experiences. So without further ado, here are some tips on how to save money during your time at University:

1. “Make sure to budget for the whole semester, you can’t survive the last two weeks with £10 in your account.” – Tali Atvars, Volunteering & Community Officer
2. “Try to avoid getting an overdraft with your bank. It is tempting but it is difficult to pay it back.” – Igor Ahmedov, International Officer
3. “If you do need to get a part time job then ensure that you get a job that can accommodate your study time.” – Jess Cole, Sports & Societies Officer
4. “If you are going to spend money, the money spent in the student union goes straight back in to help improve the student experience.” – Harry Sampson, President
5. “Do not get a credit card.” – Jordan Rudge, VP Activities
6. “Save in advance for things you know are going to happen (birthdays, deposits etc.).” – Cassie Shaw, Student Engagement Assistant
7. “Think ahead – what is going to happen later down the line if you need money in an emergency?” – Samuel Chivers, VP Education
8. “Start putting into your pensions as early as you can.” – Joey Maley, Mature & Part-Time Students Officer
9. “Avoid payday loans.” – Kayleigh Richter, Ethical & Environmental Officer
10. Make sure to sort your council tax. Being a student you are most likely exempt but you can check here: http://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/money-and-funding/council-tax/
11. Make sure you aren’t overpaying tax on any jobs you do: https://www.gov.uk/student-jobs-paying-tax
12. Purchase a NUS Extra card to ensure you get the student discounts you deserve: https://cards.nusextra.co.uk/
13. Don’t pay for a TV license if you don’t have to.
14. Try to look for people who are selling their old books.
15. If you need to, ask your parents and guardians for help.
16. Try to quit smoking – not only is it better for your health, it’s better for your wallet.
17. If you need to travel on the train often, a 16-25 Railcard might be a good investment for you: http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/
18. Freeze perishables – milk and bread are both surprising items that can be frozen.
19. Pre-cook your meals for the week – it saves time and means you make the most out of what you buy by actually using it.
20. Avoid takeaway – it is alright to get every once in a while but if you have it every day then your bank account will feel it.

Remember that if you really desperately need help with money that Student Services have a money advice service: https://intranet.winchester.ac.uk/information-bank/students-and-money/SitePages/Home.aspx