Age: 23 Height: 5'10" Star sign: Cancer On the stereo: Radiohead. By the way, I use my mp3 not a stereo. Obviously! On the back: I'm not one for labels, but like to look smart if I'm out and about.

On the plate: Love a Chinese when I can afford it. Our filthy kitchen isn't conducive to cooking. On the road: Mountain bike. On holiday: Morocco if I have the money after graduation On the web: My own sites. Egs: mikeblogsakpeki.com and the latest forums

Smokes: No way, hate the smell Hobbies: Computer games (loving studentsurvivor.org.uk at the moment) and forums - why you think my nickname is 'Blogs'?! Part-time job: No. Saved money in my sandwich year to help me through final year. Got an internship lined up for the summer though.

His take on the year:

It was great to have a year in industry as I feel refreshed and ready for final year. I also saved quite a bit of money. I was lucky to have worked for Sony, which was really up my street.

What's your favourite part of uni life?

I've been really impressed with the IT facilities. I prefer working there rather than my box room at home!

And the worst?

Money's always been tight. Even though I did a sandwich course, I've still done 4 years and I get less loan this year as it's my last. I've got a sister at uni so don't like to asking my parents for money, though they help a bit. I'm looking forward to earning and applying the knowledge I've gained.

Where are you living?

In the box room, 3rd floor, shared house. The room was the cheapest and I thought it would be quieter and easier to heat in winter. Don't spend much time there, as my flatmates aren't final year, so it's hard to study when they're lazing about.

What have you missed most?

Having meals made for me and knowing that the fridge will always be full.

What has been the greatest surprise?

How hard it was at first to make ends meet. I got seriously into debt in second year. I was too busy concentrating on the course and bought a new laptop. I had to get a job as a student ambassador, which was also a surprise as I enjoyed it!

How have you coped with money?

Ok overall, though this year is really tight. Being a student ambassador was good as the hours were flexible. I cycle to uni to save money and it gets me out in the fresh air.

Top Financial Tip

Try and get part time work, which is related to your course. I got loads of ideas for my final project from my year at Sony, as well as cash. If you share a house, work out who's in charge of paying bills and how to split them fairly.

Mike's Finances:

He gets a lower maintenance loan as he is in final year and he's not got a job this year. The support from his family and his savings have helped. He's cut back on socialising this year, but still spends quite a bit on utility bills, especially as he's got a TV and internet in the box room.

If Mike was earning £26,000 after graduation he'd repay his loan at a rate of £83 per month.

For illustration only
Household income	£34,000
		September 2008 entry
Income
Maintenance loan (living away from home/outside London, Final year)		£3,671
Tuition fee loan		£3145
Maintenance Grant		£609
University Bursary		£500
Savings		£3,000
Employment		£0
Family and friends		£1000
Interest free overdraft		£1000
TOTAL		£12,925
Expenditure		Year
Tuition Fees		£3,145
Accommodation (52 weeks rent, shared house outside London)		£3,120
Utility Bills (electric, gas, water)		£615
Getting there		£124
Getting about		£156
Eating		£3,432
Shopping		£416
Study		£257
Social		£1,229
Insurance		£300
TOTAL		£12,794
Balance		£131