We’ve all gone through that awkward moment between birth and death. It’s something I like to call life. Nothing’s worse than trying to save money. Scratch that, making a doctor’s appointment over the phone without your mum is terrifying. However, getting paid on Tuesday and making it last until the next week is daunting. Especially when you’re a full-time uni student.
I’ve come up with a few tips that can help your bank account thrive.
SET A LIMIT ON MEALS
I know it’s hard to set a limit because all food is amazing, but you’ll thank me later. If you’ve got a lunch/dinner break at work try and suss out all the good specials. At the moment I’ve been living off of the Subway $5 combo (a six-inch sandwich and a small drink. Sometimes a free cookie). If you’re going out with friends, sharing a bunch of different meals is always a cheaper option if you’re all in the same boat.
MAKE YOUR OWN LUNCH
This continues from the above tip and it’s very helpful. Make your own lunch/dinner so you don’t have to go out spending a lot. A quick sandwich with tuna or ramen noodles (my entire life). And if any of these things are on special at the supermarket, stock up.
DON’T SPEND A LOT WHEN GOING OUT
Sometimes going out clubbing and spending your entire pay check on drinks and cabs isn’t such a good idea. I’m not saying don’t go out, just not every single weekend. Because let’s be honest, you will spend money. Besides, how many times can you drunk dance to the same song over and over? I’m in bed by 11:30pm anyways.
HAVE PRE-DRINKS
This is a very important tip. Drinks at clubs and bars are always going to be expensive. Buy alcohol from your local supermarket and enjoy some cheaper pre-drinks. On the plus side, you’ll actually hear what your friends are saying to you.
DONT BUY YOUR MUSIC
And I’m not saying to illegally download it either (or am I?). Use streaming services like Spotify or Pandora. Not forever, just until you are financially able to buy that iTunes card. Or do what I do. Wait till the iTunes cards are on special and stock up.
STUDENT DISCOUNT
I knew someday that ID card would come in handy. I’ve used my student card to get discounts at the cinemas or for student nights at bars for cheap drinks. Take advantage of all your resources while you’ve got them.
STAY AT HOME
This sounds kind of blunt but in reality try and stay at home as long as you can while studying. You’ll save on rent, groceries, electricity, water and all that adult stuff. Yes, you may have to pay your parents board but it’ll help you save up for the near future. If you can’t stay at home, try and rent a place with a bunch of people so it’s as cheap as possible.
BUY NON-BRAND PRODUCTS
This applies to pretty much everything. If you’re tight on money, there’s no point spending a bajillion dollars on the good stuff when you can get the same thing (just less good) for under $5. Same goes for medicine or clothes. Who needs the expensive brand stuff?
TRAVEL CHEAP
Instead of driving, public transport offers some good student concessions which can help majorly if you don’t want to waste petrol. If you go out with friends, instead of a cab you could call an over which has a cheaper fare rate. Do your research first because if you can save money, do it.
Remember if you have a uni holidays, pick up as many shifts as you can from your part-time work because extra money is always good. These have helped me in the past and hope they can for you.
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