Tips
We have put together the following tips to help you to manage your money.
Spend time planning and preparing a budget
Preparing a budget plan will help you to avoid overspending and will also help you to plan for the future. Here are a couple of good budgets to check out:
- NTU Forecaster
- UCAS Student Budget Calculator
- Brightside Student Calculator
- Save The Student Rent Calculator
Keep track of your spending
Keeping a daily track of the items you buy will give you an idea of how much money you are actually spending and will assist you with setting a realistic budget. There's some great information on the Money Saving Expert website to help get you started.
Maximise your income
Make sure you are in receipt of the full level of student financial support available to you. If you have any questions about student funding, you can email the Student Financial Support Service or telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Get a part-time job
Many students have a part-time job while they study. Employment will not only boost your income, but you will be gaining invaluable experience and it is good for your CV too. The NTU Employability Team can help you to find graduate vacancies and placements, part-time paid and voluntary work while you are studying.
The Students in Classrooms Team offer a range of fantastic opportunities each academic year, all of which provide a truly unique university experience.
Opportunities available include:
- mentoring pupils on a one-to-one basis
- literacy support for pupils in infant, junior and primary schools
- subject specific classroom support in schools and colleges
- Student Ambassador work in both schools and colleges and within the University.
All schemes offer flexible opportunities for committed individuals, with full training and support throughout. Participants have the chance to develop their skills, enhance their CV, make new friends and at the same time support local young people to realise their full potential.
For more information, please visit the Students in Classrooms website, send an email or telephone +44 (0)115 848 4203.
Watch out for scams
Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. They usually come via a telephone call, an email or by post. Scammers will try to obtain your personal information to open bank accounts, get credit cards and loans, claim state benefits and create documents such as passports and driving licenses in your name. These criminals are clever, and all kinds of people from all walks of life get duped. You can find tips on how to avoid fraud on the following websites:
Plan ahead
Plan for extra expenditure such as start of term costs, special occasions and family birthdays. This will help you avoid overspending or using credit.
Get a discount
Look out for deals, such as special offer haircuts and take advantage of money off vouchers, BOGOFs (buy one get one free) offers and student deals in restaurants or at the cinema. Use your NUS card to get money off at your favourite retailers. National and regional offers are listed on student-focused discount websites like Student Beans.
Save on travel
The amount spent on travel varies. Students residing in the city usually spend less on travel if they are studying at our City Campus. Similarly, those students who are studying and residing at our Clifton Campus would spend less on travel.
Research different deals you can get for traveling. For example, Student Rail Cards and bus passes. If you intend to do a lot of travelling it can work out cheaper to invest in one or both. To learn more about unlimited travel on NCT bus services, please visit NCT's student pages. Also find out how to cut the cost of train travel by visiting the Save the Student site.
Ucycle Nottingham, with the help of Nottingham Trent University and our Students' Union offer a bike hire scheme for NTU students. All bikes are ready to ride, and come complete with lights, lock, mudguards, rack and servicing. You will also receive:
- a free mini tool
- a free inner tube
- a 10% discount voucher to use at Evans Cycles
- access to a free maintenance class run by Evans
- free RideWise cycle training.
Men's and women's bikes are available in different sizes and can be hired for the whole academic year for just £39 (plus a £60 refundable deposit). For further information visit our Hire a bike pages.
Turn unwanted items into cash
Don't buy every book on the reading lists, check which books will be essential and use the library as much as possible. There are always second hand books being sold in or around the University by people who have finished the course you are studying.
Amazon and eBay are great places to buy and sell used textbooks. Also, check out the campus notice boards and bookshops.
Get help
The Student Financial Support Advisers at NTU are available throughout the year to provide guidance and assistance to students in need of financial advice. Take advantage of them - the advice will be free and they can help you manage your money better. You can email the Student Financial Support Service or telephone them on +44 0115 848 2494.
Seek advice and guidance on money management websites:
