The A-Z of Student Life
by Keith Tondeur - Director Credit Action (www.creditaction.org.uk)

A. ACCESS FUNDS are available at most universities for hard up students. If you are struggling apply immediately.

Support4Learning Try this link for further info

B. BUDGET for your expenses or you may find you have run out of money well before the year-end.

Support4Learning Try this link for further info

C. CREDIT can be very helpful but make sure you shop around to get the best deals on offer.

Student Quide A Quick guide to Credit Cards

D. DEBT is almost unavoidable as a student but using interest free overdrafts and student loans can keep it manageable.

Debt Check Help, advice and practical support

E. EAT sensibly and regularly. If you have to cook for yourself take full advantage of supermarket offers and seasonal prices.

Student Cooking Public website which may help.

F. FOOD SHOPPING is important to budget for especially when entertaining. Include the drink and sweets you buy and be realistic!

G. GRANTS are available for some students coming from households with below average income and for some students with disabilities. If in doubt - check.

www.dfes.gov.uk Info on grants for students.

H. HOUSING COSTS can come as a real shock. It may well be not just the rent you have to pay. Make sure you know what you are signing up to.

Housing Advice Whats the best option for you?

I. INSURANCE could be useful, as you would hate to lose your computer or bike. Check to see what is covered on your parents' insurance.

J. JOBS in vacation time really do cut down the debt and can give you useful work experience too

Jobs4Students Much info here to help you

K. KEEP receipts in case you need to return faulty items.

L. LOANS from family and friends can be a lifesaver but do all you can to repay them as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary tension.

Student Loans Company Ltd. Look at their site

M. MANAGE YOUR MONEY by keeping a pocket book to record all that you are spending otherwise your money will just appear to disappear!

Budget Planner Keep a record of your spending

N. NEGOTIATE whenever you are buying a large item or trying to rent. It's very un-British but can work especially when paying cash.

Read our articles on spending and budgeting

O. OVERDRAFTS are useful as long as you have agreed with your bank the amount you are allowed to borrow. Whatever you do don't go overdrawn without permission.

P. PHONES are a great way of keeping in touch and if you are not careful a great way of building up debt. Make sure your mobile has the right tariff for you.

Q. QUESTION YOUR SPENDING continuously as there will always be conflicts between needs and wants.

Read our articles on spending and budgeting

RENT will be a major expenditure and the location, state of the property and conditions attaching to any lease all need careful consideration.

Housing Advice Whats the best option for you?

S. SPENDING needs to be disciplined but realistic when it comes to a budget so remember to include those pints.

Read our articles on spending and budgeting

T. TV LICENCES are something every property needs so if you are living outside halls make sure some-one in the house \ flat has got one.

U. USE things wisely and carefully or you may have unexpected additional costs for cleaning or repairs.

Learn more about RECYCLING

V. VIDEOs and DVDs are great to have but can add up quickly so like all leisure items try and prioritize and have an upper limit on your spending in this area.

W. WATCH the pennies, as it is nearly always the little items that when added together bust any budget.

Read our articles on spending and budgeting

X. [E]XAMINE your bank statement regularly and if you need to extend your overdraft go and see your bank to explain why.

How to keep track of your money

Y. YOUNG PERSONS RAIL CARDS give substantial discounts for students who travel regularly and therefore save a lot of money.

Visit the Young Person's Railcard website here

Z. Do the above and you should sleep soundly through your student life (but hopefully not during lectures!)

Sleep Foundation official sleep focused website

by Keith Tondeur - Director Credit Action (www.creditaction.org.uk)