Other tips on making the most of your money while you’re at uni
Save on hairdressers. Get a hair-cut on a student training night and it won’t cost you a cent. Or if it
does, it will be a fraction of the normal cost. Students are supervised by a professional, so you won’t
end up with a pineapple head! Ask beauticians about student training nights for waxing too for a frugal
fuzz free look.
Sales. If you need new clothes, wait for the sales, try e-bay, visit the factory outlet or explore your
local markets. Why pay full price if a little patience rewards you with a big saving?
Budget travel accommodation. If you like travel on the cheap, look into a Youth Hostel membership. From
$37 a year, you can get cheap accommodation in some amazing places. Even cheaper, offer to house-sit
for the summer, preferably near the beach! Offer to take care of other peoples’ cats and dogs (while
they’re on holiday) in return for little or no rent. Maybe they’ll fill the fridge with your favourite
food.
Don’t be afraid to ask! Always, always ask when you’re parting with money if there’s a student discount
- and keep your student card on you at all times.
Buy in-season fruit and veggies. It sounds trivial but if you buy produce in-season, it tastes better,
the vitamin content will be higher and it’s cheaper.
Use the bulletin board! They’re great for more than just textbooks. Bulletin boards are a great way to
keep your ear to the ground on all sorts of things. For example, you might also find a bargain on a
second-hand fridge, furniture or a TV.
Don’t shop hungry. If you go grocery shopping when you’re hungry, you’ll buy more than you need.
Really. You will.
Use your own bank’s ATMs. This will normally save you from paying other bank ATM fees.
Do a basic budget. If creating a budget sounds all too hard, use our Student Budget Calculator. In
three simple steps you’ll see where saving a few dollars here and there can make a difference.
Set your limits. Having a credit card limit of $1,000 doesn’t mean you have to spend it. If you can
only afford to pay back $200 then just spend that.
Good food, good relations. Eat at Mum and Dad’s!
Stash. BIG expenses always loom. Holidays? Car rego? Textbooks? Fees? If you ignore them until the day
they’re due, you’ll end up scrounging and borrowing money, which sucks. Put a few dollars aside each
week or set up a regular savings plan. It’s a habit that’s easier than scrounging and will save you
from the stress of digging yourself out of a financial hole.
Cut the chat. Keep an eye on mobile phone spending. A pre-paid account means you’ll never get landed
with an unexpected bill. It can also be better value.
Go public transport. Your student card gives you good discounts on public transport. Make the most of
it. Workers don’t get the same discounts until they retire!
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