Attending university can be expensive and students money situations can sometimes take over the studying.  So it’s important to get as many money tips as possible so that funds don’t run out before your course has started,  it doesn’t have to all be about spending and worrying about debt mounting up, money can be saved too.

As a student you're effectively entering the adult financial world for the first time, you have come from home where your parents deal with the bills and decide what domestic companies to use, then all of a sudden you are living independently and you have to make these decisions for yourself.  Signing up for a gas suppler might not be on your list of priorities and the easy option is to go with who ever supplies the house or flat you are in, but remember a company's job is to make money from you!   It's too easy to believe companies' promises and marketing campaigns.  Always remember “they want my cash” and look with a sceptical eye; you'll make better decisions. Make sure you do your research, it's easy to assume mobile phones, supermarkets, gym membership, TVs, gas & electricity bills, car and home insurance and other prices don't vary too much – but they do.  Making the right financial decisions can literally keep £1,000s in your pocket a year so take as many student money saving tips as you can get.

By following some simple money tips for students you can make your grants, loans and wages go further so that you can concentrate on your education and enjoy your time at university:
 
Finance
If you need to borrow money always approach Student Finance England first as they have the cheapest rates of interest and students money does not have to be paid back until they start work.
 
When opening a student bank account look further than the freebie incentives and go with the bank who offers the best long term options e.g. 0% over draft limit.
 
Equipment
Getting kitted out for the start of a new course can make a huge dent in students money budgets so don’t be afraid to shop second hand.  Search the internet for
your relevant books and equipment from ex students.
 
Talk to pupils in the year above you and ask if you can buy their resources from them once they have finished with them - a great money making tip once you have finished with your equipment!
 
Always check the university library and local library before parting with money to buy books.
 
Travel
Book train and bus tickets as far in advance as possible to make huge savings and get the best deals.
 
Check the local train and bus providers for money tips for students on public transport, there maybe a discounted travel card or season ticket.
 
Shopping
Carry your NUS card with you everywhere to save money and get discounts in many high street shops.
 
Search the internet for discount vouchers and compare prices.

Stay up to date with valuable money tips for students and sign up to money saving websites that will send through weekly newsletters with discount vouchers and codes.
 
Before you spend money on anything ask yourself these three questions from the relevant category:

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SKINT
Do I need it?
 Can I afford it?
 Have I checked if it's cheaper elsewhere?

FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T SKINT
Will I use it? 
Is it worth it? 
Have I checked if it's cheaper elsewhere?

If the answer to any of the questions is no, don't buy it and keep your student money situation in the clear!