Studying and money is something that most people struggle with at some point in their lives. If it’s an average apprenticeship wage or just the overall tough position you’re put in when trying to ace your course whilst still get by. Here are some tips I learnt the hard way whilst studying.
1. Be prepared
It isn’t too late! Most people have a part time job before they start university.. Right? Well most people I knew did, including me. Although I personally could’ve saved alot better then I did before moving away, I did have a savings account where I tried to put at least half of my weekly pay into. As I said I wasn’t amazing at this but I still managed to save a fair bit of money before leaving which was such a help! I didn’t live on residence so I had to buy furniture and pay a bond for a house both things I couldn’t’ve done without having that money behind me.
2. Don’t be afraid of a gap year or to apply for scholarships
I didn’t apply for too many scholarships because I wasn’t eligible for most however make sure you do a crazy amount of research into ones available through your university and externally as well. Even if it’s not monetary it’ll still help! One of my friends scored a laptop (that she later left on a train) so it’s worth checking them out and applying for as many as possible. Another thing to consider is taking a gap year to work. This isn’t for everyone as I know some people are afraid if they leave studying now they won’t return but from my experience it was a blessing in disguise. Long story short - I had a handful of reasons I couldn’t attend university fresh out of high school. Health was the main one and then money. I decided to stay at home and continue working. It suited me and I felt more ready for university the year afterwards as well as finically stable.
3. Get a job
I know it’s easier said then done but seriously a part time job WILL help immensely. I worked only Saturday’s to begin with and that extra money covered my rent. If you have alot of classes then maybe look at jobs within the university you can work around classes or even bar work. It doesn’t sound very glamorous but it does really really help!
4. Buy smarter
This goes for everything from food shopping to clothes shopping. Unfortunately living on a tight budget means you’re no longer able to spend up big on every shopping trip with the girls. It’s the harsh reality of going to university. I recommend leaving shopping trips till the end of the fortnight, right before you get paid because then you know how much money you can REALLY spend. When it comes to food shopping do one food shop a week and maybe take it in turns for cooking with your housemates. I didn’t live with anyone but my boyfriend but everyone contributing to meals would definitely help cut costs of food.
5. You don’t have to do everything on the social calendar
Whether it’s the latest party or eating out - you don’t have to attend everything! To begin with I think it is important to attend some social events.. Derrr how else are you going to met people? But then after the initial crazy O-weeks remember that you don’t have to attend every single uni night. They aren’t always as fun as people make them out to be and it does add up if you’re partying two nights a week.
What are your top tips for living off a budget whilst studying?
About Sarah
I'm a retail manager by day and a blogger by night aiming to bring you the newest beauty, fashion and lifestyle news. More Than Adored was created to help beauty lovers, like myself, make informed decisions when it comes to buying new goodies.
