Starting university is a really exciting time but it can also be financially overwhelming. From tuition fees, rent, food and money for nights out and the occasional treat, your student loan might not go as far as you’d like. Now for the good news: with some smart budgeting, you can make your money go further – without sacrificing your social life!
Here's how to stretch your student loan and stay in control of your finances:
Before you can even start budgeting, you need to have a good grasp of the numbers: what money have you got coming in and what do you need to pay out? Your income might include your student loan, parental support or wages from a part-time job. You’ll have two types of expenditure: your fixed costs include your rent, bills and transport whereas your variable costs are things like socialising, food and text books. Make sure you have a complete picture of your income and expenditure; missing things out will make it really difficult to budget properly.
When your student loan drops into your account, you might be tempted to go on a spending spree. But remember, you need to make it last. The first step in stretching your student loan is to take care of your essential spending before anything else. Make sure your non-negotiables are paid by setting up direct debits for rent and utilities. This way you don’t even have to think about paying them and you’ll avoid paying late fees. Be mindful of your heating and electricity usage – putting on a jumper before turning up the thermostat can help you save money.
Food is one of the easiest areas to overspend. Try to plan your meals before you go shopping and make a list of what you need. This will help to keep your food bill in check and prevent overspending. Cooking in bulk and freezing portions will also help your food budget go further and reduce food waste. You might also consider sharing meals with housemates to keep your food costs down.
Textbooks and course materials can be surprisingly expensive – especially if you’re studying subjects like law, medicine or engineering. But before you blow a fortune on brand new books, consider buying second hand – you could use the Facebook Marketplace or check out student groups. You might also be able to access online versions – look out for official e-textbooks from publishers or open-access academic resources.
We’ve always said budgeting should include the “fun stuff” as well as the boring essentials. So make sure you set aside money for nights out, streaming subscriptions and the odd coffee or takeaway here and there. If it’s in your budget, there’s no need to feel guilty about it. Enjoy!
Our advice would be to avoid the use of credit cards or overdrafts as they can lead to long-term debt. However, if you choose to use them, just make sure you pay them off on time to avoid interest and avoid using credit for non-essentials.
Every budget should be reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis as this helps you to stay in control of your finances and be aware of where your money is going. Keep tracking your spending habits and adjust your budget to include unexpected costs. Make sure you save money on a regular basis – even a small amount each week or month will soon add up!
Remember – budgeting as a student isn’t about restriction – it’s about freedom. When you know where your money’s going, you can make smarter decisions, reduce stress and enjoy student life to the fullest.