Top tips

This is a sample of some of the top tips that UNIAID gathered from students. Look out for more of these in the Useful Info sections and in the student profiles when you use the UNIAID Student Calculator.

Student finance – you're not 'a'loan'

Be prepared to research what financial help you're entitled to, whether it's student discounts in shops, bursaries provided by the university or scholarships from charities or other organisations. There is support out there to make things easier, if you look for it!

Don't be afraid to ask for help. You can get financial advice from your university Student Services department and the Student Union will be able to help you with a range of issues.

If you save some money before you start, it can really help. After the first year, your studies will get more intensive and when you’re on placement, you will find it hard to find time to earn extra money.

Remember – if you’re studying a course towards an Allied Health Profession, the NHS may pay your fees as well as offer a bursary. Also, Undergraduate Medical and Dentistry students can apply for a NHS Bursary from year 5 onwards to cover the fees and help towards living costs

The student loan is seen as the best way you can borrow because the interest rates are linked to the rate of inflation. However, remember that you will have to manage the repayment of this, alongside other expenses (and any additional debts) when you graduate. Budgeting doesn’t have to stop once you’ve graduated!

Shop around for a good bank. There will be lots trying to get your business so try to look past the short-term gimmicks to get a deal that will suit you.

Finding employment

  • Be realistic about how much time you can spend working and what this will mean for your budget. If you need to spend holiday time doing work experience or revision, you may not have much time available. Try to plan ahead.
  • Don't go head first into a job. Settle in, review your workload and then see what you can fit in.
  • Look out for posters at university for money-earning opportunities or ask you university job shop for advice.
  • Retail jobs give flexible shift work. If you work for a big chain store, you may be able to get transferred to another location in the holidays if you need.
  • If evening or weekend fits in best, catering and hospitality jobs may suit. Ask at the student union for jobs as they'll be flexible and on campus.
  • If you work as a student ambassador for your university, the work is flexible - you can sign up for jobs when you want. They'll understand your study commitments.
  • Always tell your employer that your timetable changes so they are prepared.

Living Costs and budgeting

  • If you do a placement as part of your course, bear in mind that your commute and travel costs may change.
  • If you are in London, you can get a third off public transport costs with the Student Oyster card scheme.
  • Buy fruit, vegetables, meat and fish at markets, rather than the supermarket.
  • Look for bargains and shop around. Don't be afraid of value brands or reduced food!
  • Watch how much you spend on snacks and lunches – it can really add up.
  • DON'T go shopping when you're feeling hungry.
  • Think twice before you spend hundreds on books and equipment - Find out from your uni and older students what's essential.
  • You could share books with friends or get second hand copies from fairs or online.
  • If you don't need the whole book, get it out of the library instead – find out the library renewal policy as books will go fast.
  • Buy a young person's railcard – a 33% discount on travel can help you afford trips home or to see friends.
  • Use your feet! Walking saves you spending money on transport and it also means when you go food shopping that you're limited to buying what you can carry.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for student discounts in shops. Go to the supermarket later in the day and you may find loads of stuff has reduced stickers on.

Balancing work and play

  • Hobbies give you a healthy break from your studies. It may be easier to fit in, if you join something that happens regularly (exercise class, music group) so you can plan it into your timetable.
  • There are loads of clubs and societies at uni – check out the Freshers Fairs. This is a good way to meet students in other faculties and higher years.
  • Think about whether you will really do something and if you'll have time, before you spend money on membership or equipment.
  • Support and friendships from your course mates will really help - you'll have the same timetable plus students from other courses will probably graduate before you all! However socialising with students on other courses is a nice change.
  • It's important to relax a bit in the holidays, but think how best you can use this time. You may need to fit in work experience/placements, or some paid employment.

Study Tips

You'll have a personal tutor – don't be afraid to ask for help. Get advice on how much time you should be spending studying.

You're in charge of your time outside lectures but you’ll be expected to do private study. You may not have as many essays as students on other courses, so there may be less pressure to do private study. But be disciplined! It will pay off!

Your timetable will change regularly so at the start of the week, look at what you've got to attend and plan your private study around that.

Try and get into a routine of writing up and reading your lecture notes straight away, rather than filing them away until the end of year exams. This way, you learn more as you go and won't be as panicked when you get to the exams!