Think Cheaply, Live Cheaply
Last year students spent £75 million on Laundry and Dry Cleaning, compared to £1 Billion on alcohol and £520 million on phone calls.
The table below shows the anticipated, average costs of student living for 2006*.
| Weekly Average Bills | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rent | £76.94 |
| 2. | Alcohol | £16.65 |
| 3. | Books | £12.98 |
| 4. | Supermarket | £19.65 |
| 5. | Cigarettes | £12.56 |
| 6. | Going out | £14.25 |
| 7. | Buying clothes | £14.38 |
| 8. | Transport | £13.32 |
| 9. | Utility Bills | £16.42 |
| 10. | Telephone Bills | £9.94 |
| 11. | Eating Out | £14.33 |
| TOTAL : | £220.82 | |
| *Estimates for first year students starting a three year degree course in 2006. Source : Natwest Student Money Matters Survey 2006. |
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Money Saving Tips
1. Kick The Habit
Smoking might have seemed cool in school, but if you're now getting through 20 a day, you stand to shell out £5000 over a 3 year degree period. For information on how to quit call the NHS smoking helpline on 0800 169 0169.
The ban is in public places in England from 01/07/07 and is a further reason why to quit.
2. Save Electricity
Don't leave laptops, televisions and DVD players on standby. The Energy Saving Trust estimated Britain's students could save £15m a year on electricity by switching off gadgets rather than leaving them on standby.
3. Shop Online
Shop online, where prices for almost everything are lower than the high street.
4. Leave The Trolley
Don't pick up a basket when shopping, it will encourage you to add items you don't really need.
5. Fruit and Veg
Supermarket fruit and veg can be expensive. Instead try your local market. In the afternoons when stallholders are packing up, you may be able to pick up a bargain.
6. Travel Smart
Book your coach journeys well in advance and you can pick up one-way fares for as little as £1. Megabus.com sells seats up to 45 days ahead. At Nationalexpress.com you can book up to 12 weeks ahead. Trainline offers discount train fares across the UK and Europe. Those who book late pay the most.