Money

Hard times are upon you. Limited funds, lots to spend it on and perhaps more money than you have even had to manage before.

Remember the money has to last. Your parents will not be a bottomless pit of money, (unless you are fabulously lucky), better to learn to budget and manage your finances now.

Work out your weekly costs, your available money. Take advantage of any financial offers there may be. Apply for all the financial support you can get. Your entitled to a loan  to cover our tuition fees - That's what it is for so don't spend in on booze or clothes.

Getting to the end of the week first is better than getting to the end of your money first! Borrowing from next weeks allowance is a recipe for future poverty.

Minimise your out goings. If you can find cheaper accommodation go for it. If you smoke quit. Do without a car. Avoid loans that attract high interest payments - credit cards come into this area unless you can pay them off every month.

If you haven't got one, set up a bank account. There will be banks represented at freshers week.

Make a decision over having a job, will working benefit you. If so look for a job at the earliest opportunity - other will be doing the same so first come first served as it were.

If you had a job at school and it's a national chain they may be willing to recommend you to the local branch. You may have a skill you can use to make money. I have seen people entertain, make and sell jewellery and clothes. Do alterations to clothes. Lots of things. If your not spending a lot to set up or all your time to run it may be a good money earner.

Some people started their life's career at university. Look how many online things were started by students. Even Bill Gates, (you know who he is?,) started Microsoft at college in fact he never graduated - made too much money.

You don't need to live in poverty, but get used to the idea, it may be you have baked bean meal weeks when the money runs out faster than the week.

IF you get into financial difficulties don't suffer alone. Go to see the student advisory service and get some good advice - That's what they do.

Do it before it goes bad on you and you may find things aren't as dire as they seem or might be if you do nothing.

Have fun and I hope you find this useful. Remember all you lot will be paying for my pension when you start these high flying, highly paid jobs in 3 or 4 years time.

If you find this useful tell your friends where it is they might find it useful as well.

Thanks to the Daily Telegraph for putting this in my mind.

Good by for now and good luck. You can find me on Face book.