Uni Advice: "Is It Me Or The Lifestyle"

So imagine this, you're at uni, student loan has dropped and this is the first time you've seen four-figures in your account. You spend all your loan on clothes, shoes, eating out etc., you end up homeless, hungry and have to drop out of uni because you have nowhere to live. Don't let this be your story. Money management is a big issue for uni students worldwide so here are some things I learnt about money management at uni.


Firstly, pay your rent before spending your money on anything else. If you're lucky enough to have a maintenance loan that covers your rent, then please use it for what it's for. Most places let you pay your rent early so if you get your loan before your rent is due PAY IT IMMEDIATELY! When I got my second maintenance loan it was around the same time as a 50% off everything Missguided sale but I made sure I paid my rent before going crazy with shopping. How strict your accommodation's policies are, is often depending on if your accommodation is owned by the uni or a private company. If your housing is owned by a private company be extra careful because they have the legal right to evict you and they will exercise that right.

Secondly, live according to your personal financial situation. Some of you won't have a maintenance loan, some of you are getting the minimum of £3,124 and some are the maximum of £11,002. This means that you can't try to keep up with others' lifestyle and their spending patterns because you don't know how much money then have at their disposal. You always hear the stories about uni students living off pot noodles and running out of money because they spent it all on clothes but that doesn't have to be you. The main reason why you're at uni is to get a degree and you can't function properly without food so prioritise your health above your fashion style. As students are known for running out of money many banks offer student accounts with overdrafts. At this point of your life you're 18 or older so you should know how well you are at managing money. If you find it hard to not spend money don't get overdraft. You will end up in debt and it'll just be another source of stress. If you're not sure how you are with money wait a while and see how you are in your first semester, then decide later. If do get overdraft check how much you get and the charges associated with it.


Thirdly, if you don't have a loan or your loan barely covers your rent then get a job. As I said above you need food to do well at uni but also to stay alive. Now, the kind of job you can do depends on you and your course. If you have long days at uni try to find a job that lets you work only weekends or nights like bartending. A lot of students work in nightclubs and bars (e.g. me) so it's another way to meet people and make friends. It you don't have lot of contact hours at uni then you can opt for a retail job. With retail the key is to apply early i.e. now. You have to remember just how you're moving to a new place to study people are moving away from that same to study so there will be vacancies. Now, it can be hard to apply for a job before you get your timetable but most places are understanding. 

Am I saying you shouldn't you enjoy and treat yourself at uni? No, and that certainly wasn't me at uni. But, just be careful and learn from the mistakes of others.

As per usual if you need any help DM me on twitter @heyheyitsjadee