Tips and tricks to stay in the black

[dropcap]I[/dropcap] don’t claim to be some sort of accountant swami who knows all the ropes. Alas, I am not Martin Lewis’ protégé. However, I can safely say that as my uni years draw to a close, I have been both tidily in the black and desperately in the red. I’ve been with and without a job, and I’d like to think I’m somewhat wizened – at least enough to voice some suggestions.

I’ll start with a potentially contentious opinion by saying that I do believe you get plenty of money to see you through each term. It differs between national and international students, and grants and bursaries also make an impact. Nonetheless, I honestly don’t buy it when students cry poverty.

I can’t help but notice that the students who say they can only afford to live off baked beans can magically afford to go clubbing four times a week.

I honestly don’t buy it when students cry poverty.

I’m not saying we have a blank cheque to buy whatever we want, but if we handle our finances intelligently, we can grant ourselves the odd treat. Personally, I can’t go without my Netflix and Spotify subscriptions.

Student discounts can help a lot if you’re savvy enough to find them. Definitely sign up to Unidays with your university account, as it’ll get you great deals on everything from clothes to computers.

When it comes to food, it is much cheaper to buy fresh ingredients, make a large batch of food, and keep some for later in a box or Tupperware dish. If you buy ready meals each day, you’ll notice your expenditure rising all too quickly. Buying a year bus pass is of course unnecessary for first years, but vital for those living off-campus. It’s expensive but an essential investment.

Speaking of one’s expenditure, it’s so important to regularly check your bank account. For too long I lived by the rule, “I haven’t checked my account in three weeks but my card hasn’t been declined yet so I must be fine.” Don’t make the same mistake I did. I discovered towards the end of term 3 that I was deeply into my overdraft, and spent the rest of term eating the food my friend’s ex’s mother sent him.

I don’t think it’s necessary to set yourself a limit each week because it’s just not realistic and you’ll end up disappointed. Just get a banking app on your phone and keep an eye on it. And always remember: despite its appeal, the overdraft is never to be trusted!

I spent the rest of term eating the food my friend’s ex’s mother sent him.

I’ve had jobs since I was fifteen, and after deciding to go jobless in my first year in order to settle in, I moved into Leamington early in my second year to eagerly pursue a job. I landed a retail position in Royal Priors. What a mistake! My university work slipped into the background and I struggled academically. I quit after only a couple of months because my (very evil) manager said she’d give me just three days off over Christmas.

Don’t let this dissuade you though; there are some truly great job opportunities on campus that pay well, such as in the SU, or the call centre in Westwood. If you really want a job, just make sure it’s a flexible position and your managers understand that studies come first.

There are plenty of little tips and tricks you’ll pick up along the way. Don’t buy new books, for instance. Get the cheapest, even if they’re tatty (you’ll probably be writing on them anyway). On a night out, drink your own alcohol before going out and limit yourself to withdrawing, say, £30.

In short, you don’t need to be a financial guru (I’m certainly not), nor do you have to budget yourself to starvation. Just be savvy. Handle your money like it’s your salary, not a cheeky gift. We wouldn’t want you to surrender that Netflix subscription, right?