Budgeting
Being able to manage your finances as a student is very important
and it is also important that you start learning to budget for bills,
books, food and other essentials to avoid piling up too much debt. Remember
you will most probably get your funding in instalment. That’s why
it’s important to plan how you are going to spend your money. The
money should last you until the end of term.
If you are coming to university straight from school or sixth form college,
we would advise you to draw up a budget with your parents as they need
to appreciate the level of expenditure involved.
Download a simple budget sheet here
Download an excel budget sheet here
If you need help with putting together a budget, or need financial advice
on managing your money, please speak to a member of staff in the Money Support Unit either via email: moneysupport@bangor.ac.uk or telephone: 01248 38 3566.
Here are some tips that will help you make your money last:
- Spend time planning
- List essential expenditure
- Keep a record of everything you spend – this helps identify regular /occasional spending patterns
- Plan for extra expenditure such as start of year costs/ special occasions / family birthdays etc.
- Pay for as much as you can when you receive your Student Loan instalment such as rent for the whole semester, tuition fees and bills.
- Buy second hand such as books
- Remember the library, don’t be tempted to buy all the books on your reading list
- Remember your student discount cards
- Get a student bank account if you have not already got one
- If you need to borrow money then use only interest free overdraft facilities but don’t exceed your overdraft limit without prior agreement.
- Avoid using credit cards and store cards
All students have access to the Academy of Money Open Learn course developed by MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis and the Open University.
This training opportunity provides up to 12 hours of information and offers certification upon completion.
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