Take money worries out of your student days

Managing your money takes careful planning but it’s not as scary as it sounds. Finding the right bank account is the first step towards organising your finances, so it’s important you don’t just sign up for the first one you see or the one that offers you the most attractive incentives – shop around and see who’s offering the best deals.

Is a credit card a good idea? Nobody wants to run up mountains of debt but there are times when a credit card comes in handy – so make sure you’re in possession of all the facts before you decide to sign on the dotted line.

Whatever your choices, we can show the options open to you and advise you on where to turn for help if you’re struggling.

It’s your choice how much you spend on clothes or socialising, but there are some outgoings you can’t avoid, like accommodation and tuition fees.

Low interest rate student loans, provided by the Student Loans Company, are designed especially for students and you won’t have to repay the debt until your income is above a certain level.

But how much will it cost you to study and how does repayment of the debt work? You can get help in paying tuition fees - we explain the contributions from your parents and how to apply to your Local Education Authority for assistance.

Budgeting is a very useful skill to have and will help to make student life that little bit easier. You may even be entitled to benefits from the government or help from your parents. Wherever your money comes from, make sure you know where it’s going and discover how to juggle money with study.

But cutting your expenses doesn’t have to mean cutting out your social life – you can still have fun and keep a roof over your head. We offer tips for spending less on luxuries such as entertainment and gifts, as well as how to save on essentials like household bills and food.