Smoking Ban!

This day 2 years ago, the smoking ban was introduced, and how much better do we feel now pubs and clubs smell so much nicer?

The 1st of June also means that us students should be budgeting for summer, I'm about to create a budget for myself and plan holiday spending money, you should too. Having a budget helps tremendously, if you plan how much you can spend each week or month, take that amount out of your bank, and then put away that bank card. See how you get on with the cash you have, it will save you a fortune!!

Doing this will make you more disciplined with your money, control what you can and can't buy. So, get creating your budgets, taking out the money you are allowed, and locking away your debit/credit cards! (Although credit cards are big no no, student or not!!)

Budget....done!! Now to try and "earn" some money

Okay, so now that you have used the budget calculator in yesterdays post, are you happy with this budget?

Being a student, probably not, more money is always better. So before you start university in September make sure that you have got everything that you are entitled too. Most universities offer some form of bursary or grant, this is an income amount that you never need to pay back!! Sounds tempting, right?

There is no catch here, it is just the universities way of saying thanks for joining our university, heres some cash to help buy books (read: alocohol), equipment and stationary.

If you live away from university you may also be entitled to travel expenses paid for! So its worth checking out even if you think you won't get anything. As many courses will provide their students with a grant to purchase books and other bits and bobs. So check it out now, and make sure you know how to apply for the specific grant from your university by September!!

Even if its as little as £50 its better than nothing!! Check it out below...

Grants and Bursaries

Making A Budget

Being a student is not just about partying and (ahem!) learning. But also requires great personal mental power to be able to spend and say no when you really want something.

I am currently in my second year at university and I believe it has helped me tremendously in how to save money, whether it be through buying home brand products, cutting out on drinks or not going to the cinema. It has all added up to save the pennies.

Today, I found this online calculator aimed at students to help budget their money. It is very simple to use and allows you to know how much you have coming in and going out each term, therefore knowing what you can and cant buy!!

Check it out below, as even doing it once at the start of term, you will know the amount you can spend each month, and most importantly...make sure you stick to it!

Budget Calculator