'iya.
1. I have to completely reapply for student finance
2. I wont be entitled to any money from the university that I'm going to because I'm entering at second year.
Long story short, I'm probably going to receive my loans late and will have to take out an emergency loan to pay accommodation fees and I'm also going to have £2000 less than I thought I would. Good. Good.
So, I've been sat staring at my computer screen writing an updated CV, emailing various people looking for jobs and filling out applications online. SO MUCH FUN. I've not heard back from any where yet, but fingers crossed! Otherwise I'll be sat starving in my flat for 40 weeks straight. Good diet plan I guess...
If you're worrying about money either for uni or in general, my advice would be to do some maths and work out how much you have and what you will need.
My money plan:
STUDENT LOAN - ACCOMMODATION FEES = TOTAL AMOUNT LEFT OVER
TOTAL AMOUNT LEFT OVER/40(amount of weeks in the academic year) = AMOUNT PER WEEK
I then listed what I have to pay for, for example:
Phone contract
Contact lenses
Gym Membership
I worked out how much these things cost me weekly rather than monthly so I knew how much money I had left for food, drink, toiletries and going out. As you can imagine, not much. But I worked out that working a couple of shifts a week will do me fine. Just taking any shifts I can get before I move next month, for example 3.45pm-1am on Saturday. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT.
I hate working which is why I didn't get a full time job over the Summer, but now I'm kinda wishing that I did! I didn't have a job at university last year because I had enough money to live on, and was able to do everything I wanted to do without one. However, this year seems to be a completely different experience! But I'll figure that out.
University will be one of the best periods of your life so if you want to join societies or go out a lot then make sure you have the money to do so. Not being able to afford to do the things you want to do will put a downer on your time at uni; ensure that isn't the case!
I hate working which is why I didn't get a full time job over the Summer, but now I'm kinda wishing that I did! I didn't have a job at university last year because I had enough money to live on, and was able to do everything I wanted to do without one. However, this year seems to be a completely different experience! But I'll figure that out.
University will be one of the best periods of your life so if you want to join societies or go out a lot then make sure you have the money to do so. Not being able to afford to do the things you want to do will put a downer on your time at uni; ensure that isn't the case!
My tips for saving money:
1. I find having an overdraft really useful at the start of the year - you receive a larger amount of your student loan in term 3 rather than term 1 and 2. Most students need an overdraft so if you do think this is the right thing for you make sure you aren't being charged for it.
2. Look for perks when setting up a student account. For example, I received a free railcard for 4 years which saves me a lot of money when travelling home from uni, or to uni from home.
3. Share products with flatmates. So, take turns buying milk, bread, washing up liquid etc. When I moved into halls last year we all brought washing up liquid with us; we had 8 out at a time and nobody shared, it was completely ridiculous.
4. If you drive don't take your car to uni or get insured on it for that period of time. Yes it's nice to be able to drive into town if you live on campus or the other way around but it's money you don't have to be spending if you are struggling.
5. Invest in a NUS card. They usually save you 10% at a variety of places so check out where you can get discounts.
Hope this helps a few people out!
TTFN
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