Meet the Team
Deals and discounts:
Visit: Martin Lewis’ Money saving website for weekly deals, money saving ideas, freebies. ww.moneysavingexpert.com
Earn cash back on some internet purchases; many high street chains are involved. www.topcashback.co.uk
Collect a variety of pay-as-you-go SIM cards, the phone companies have offers on nights out, DVD rental, restaurants, cinema....you know the one we’re talking about!
The INDEPENDENT
Student Money-Saving Tips
Getting the best deals:
If your bank can’t help you it might be worth looking for one that can. Speak to your peers and shop around, there are plenty of student accounts with great offers. It’s really easy to swap; your current bank counts on the fact that you think switching is hard.
If it’s sale time and you want something, try haggling. You’ll be surprised at how often you can get some extra money off. It saves to be cheeky!
At the end of your phone contract, ring your provider and see what deal they wish to offer you to stick with them. You can often get some fantastic deals.
For student specific deals and offers head to: ww.studentbeans.com
Need cheaper rail tickets? Pick up a 16-25 student rail card (it’s even free with some student bank accounts). Over 25? You’re still allowed one: just get the University to sign your application form!
Shop around for your travel needs. Booking in advance can save huge sums of money. Single trips to London are available for just £1.
Cheap printer cartridges are available from stores in town and from eBay, they’re often not branded but work perfectly in your current printer. It’s possible to save 90%. Or look to have your cartridges refilled, cheaper than new and kinder to the environment.
Making money:
Sell your old books, CDs, DVDs on eBay or Amazon market place (small fees are sometimes charged for the sale).
Shopping vouchers can be earned by reviewing products on sites such as dooyoo.com and ciao.com, the better the review, the better your earning potential!
Part time jobs are available an can enhance your CV. The hospitals have Health Care Assistant positions that allow you to work when you can at anytime of the day, it can fit perfectly around any commitments you may have!
Saving money:
Cheap second hand books or previous editions are available from amazon.co.uk market place or the second hand book-shop on campus.
Plan a menu for the week, write your shopping list and buy only those items. It removes the temptation of the special offers for the things you don’t need and also helps you eat well.
Withdraw your weekly budget from the bank each week and spend only that, it’s much easier to control spending by using cash.
On a night out take only cash with you and leave your cards at home; it saves alcohol influencing your spending ideas! However it’s worth hiding an emergency stash to make sure you can always make it home safely.
Are the 2 for £2.50 deals really worth it? Savings are often only a few pence, not much of a bargain if you don’t need the item!
Swap the branded products for shops own, the pennies saved soon add up! It usually tastes just the same as well.
Packed lunch? Loads cheaper than
buying a sandwich for £2, it just
takes a little more organisation!
Cheaper-than-supermarket-prices on fruit, veg, meat and fish down at Leicester market or certain Butcher's. Definitely worth a visit!
Money4MedStudents
When things get tough:
Retain 3 months worth of bank statements and keep tabs on what your big spends are, you’ll need this information when applying for the hardship loans.
Grads over 25 need to prove independence to get a full NHS Bursary. Collect together proof that you have been working for 36 months prior to the commencement of the course.
The welfare advisory service is always worth speaking to if you need help. They have the ability to contact people at the Loans Companies and NHS Grants you could never get in contact with.
If you really need some money loans are available to graduates on professional courses, speak to the banks to see what deals are available.
