Being a student is hard enough as it is without having to worry about finances. From studying to balancing a social life, money management is often one of the last things students think about. It isn’t hard to still enjoy student life and save money while doing it. Here are six simple ways to save money that won’t compromise your fun.

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  1. Save money on your transport

If you’re a student travelling regularly on the train, you can buy a 16-25 Railcard which will save you 1/3 of your travel costs. The card costs £30 for one year and £70 for three years, and can save you up to £199 per year. Mature students can also buy a 26-30 Railcard for £30 offering the same benefits.

2. Use student discount platforms

Student discount platforms are a great way to save money on anything from clothing to software while you’re at university. You simply sign up with your information and student ID to get started. The best student discount platforms include:

  • TOTUM
  • Student Beans
  • Unidays
Save money on books by using your library.
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3. Don’t overspend on books

Despite what your reading lists may say, you don’t need to purchase all the books that are recommended. For the books that you would like to buy, aim to purchase them second hand. For those who are unable to buy any books for their course, the library is always a great resource for academic texts that you may be looking for. Great online platforms for academic texts include:

  • Scopus
  • Research Gate
  • SAGE Journals

These platforms allow you to sign in with your university details and access a wide range of academic texts for free.

4. Take advantage of student bank accounts

Student bank accounts come with various benefits that other accounts don’t have. For example, many student bank accounts offer an interest free overdraft to provide students with a financial buffer. It’s important to stick to the terms of your agreement and pay what you owe on time to avoid any penalties.

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5. Have more than one bank account

By separating your finances, you can gain a clearer picture of of what you have incoming and outgoing. You are able to have more than one student account at a time provided you meet the conditions, and this can allow you to separate finances such as your maintenance loan from your work wages. Being more organised with your money also lets you see how much you can afford to save and what can be used in the case of an emergency.

Credit cards can be costly in the long run.
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6. Limit your use of credit cards

It can be easy to overspend as a student, so it’s important to remember that you should always aim to spend what you physically have. Credit cards come with additional fees and if you don’t stick to the conditions of your agreement, the penalties can outweigh the credit. If you do decide to get a credit card, opt for a cashback credit card so you can earn as you spend.

These six tips can save you money without much effort at all, and give you the time you need to focus on your studies.

T K Williams-Nelson

Related articles:

The Process Of Cashback Credit Cards Explained

The Ultimate University Survival Guide That Tells You What They Don’t

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Published by T K Williams Nelson

I'm Tannika. Author & Writer. Business Owner. Spoken Word Poet. As featured in The Kilburn & Brent Times, The Voice Newspaper, Brent Magazine, BBC and more. This is my space. I share my work, my experiences and things I find interesting. Shop my streetwear and crochet brands at my online boutique, Unique Boutique London, and my books: Tales of the Hood Underclass 7 Time is Money Available on my author website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all other online book retailers. For enquiries: timeismoneyinquiries@gmail.com

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