Money is often a concern for students. This Guardian article features second years discussing how they spent their money during their first year – most agree that taking steps to manage your finances is key!
By not leaving your finances to chance, you then can spend more time enjoying your studies and your life at university without worrying about your bank balance.
Here are our top 10 ways to manage your money to get you started:
It’s the summer term and with this comes your final instalment of funding for this academic year. You now need to stretch your money for this term and possibly also the summer too. It’s not as scary as it sounds – see below for our guide to keeping on top of your finances for the final term and beyond.
If you’re struggling financially, you can apply for the Financial Assistance Fund to help you with your living costs (eligibility criteria apply) – if you’re offered an award, you do not usually have to pay it back. The Financial Guidance team are aware that students sometimes have questions when they are making an application so we have created this post to help:
National Student Money Week starts today at the University of Northampton!
This year, our campaign ‘Where I live’ is focussing on housing, including the typical costs of renting and what to think about when looking for a new house for next year.
If you’re in your first year and currently living in Halls, you’ll probably need to move out at the end of the academic year. Similarly, some landlords like to change their student tenants each year, so even if you love your house share now, check with your landlord sooner rather than later so you know if you need to start looking.
Assuming you need or want to move, here are some helpful pointers and tips to consider before diving in to your next commitment.Read More »NSMW – What are the true costs of renting?
It’s not long now till you get your next payment of student funding – which is something to smile about. However, did you know that more and more students are being targeted by fraudsters through phishing scams? Students are more likely to be contacted just before their funding is due to be paid. But there’s no need to panic – instead keep reading for more information on phishing and how you can protect yourself online.
As a student, you might be offered opportunities to borrow money – this is known as credit. Access to credit can be both positive and negative. Although it’s advisable to try to live within your means whenever possible, sometimes emergencies happen and in these circumstances, credit will be very helpful. Applying for credit can also help improve your credit rating in the future. However, you must remember that credit is not ‘free money’ – it always needs to be paid back – and if you splurge on credit, it can end up costing you a huge amount in interest and charges.
Here are some common credit options – some are okay (providing you don’t go overboard with your spending), and some are best avoided.
Welcome to the University of Northampton. Whether you are a new or a returning student, we hope you have a fantastic experience studying with us. Money is often a cause of concern for students so here are some tips to get into good habits early when managing your money:
At the start of term, we receive many queries relating to student finance and funding, including what to do about late loans or when Halls rent is due. Here is a list of the most typical questions – with answers – to help you while you study with us.
Our How to spend a student loan- part 1 post looked at typical costs of rent and utility bills; in ‘part 2’ we’ll now consider course costs, mobile phones/ broadband, and travel.
Money may not buy happiness – as the old saying goes – but it can have a huge impact on your wellbeing. So if you are having financial problems, this can have a negative effect on all aspects of your life and study, including your health.