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Mary Lucey of Career Ahead has some tips ahead of a challenging year for students preparing for third level education…
This year more than ever, college students need to prioritise their needs rather than their wants in relation to spending. Food, safe travel, electricity, phone credit – are essential in college.
Below are some tips that will help:
1. Regarding college accommodation, it may suit and be a lot less expensive to travel to/from daily or stay in a B&B/hotel for a night or two during the week based on timetables/number of online classes and college locations.
2. New college students tend to spend all their week’s budget before Wednesday and then are broke for the remainder of the week. Budget firstly for a month and then break this down to a weekly figure. A student will then know what they can afford to spend daily and should not exceed that amount. Closely monitor spending at beginning of the week.
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3. Ensure students get hold of their student card as soon as possible and use to avail of all student discounts offered.
4. Socialising is important to help make friends, become part of the college community, and settle in better.
However, it doesn’t mean just going to costly bars and night-clubs – it can be cooking a meal, having a house party, going outdoors, etc think outside the box.
5. When travelling home; check who has cars that live nearby and offer to contribute to fuel costs for a lift.
For public transport, purchase weekly/monthly return tickets. Book train tickets in advance to avail of any discounted prices. Download apps that allow you to accumulate points and get discounted prices.
6. Learn to cook two or three cheap and cheerful meals, a healthy meal can be made for as little as €1 if you shop wisely. Download apps for major supermarkets and brands to see weekly offers and build up reward points.
Bring a packed lunch to college, much cheaper than college canteens. Buy and fill a travel cup with coffee/tea rather than spending at least €3 per cup at coffee/tea outlets.
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7. For clothes, check out the amazing range and value available in pre-loved and charity shops – for nights out to work placement outfits – all will be covered at very little cost while benefiting charities and the environment.
8. For toiletries –– a bar of soap will do the same job as an expensive shower or bath gel. Purchase generic brands in place of overpriced branded goods.
9. If you need medical attention, most colleges have medical centre/medical personnel on-site which is free or offers reduced rates.
10. In relation to college books and notes etc maximise online availability rather than purchasing expensive books and printing off notes.
11. Students should get a part-time job – results in both financial and personal gain.
• For more advice see www.careerahead.ie , call 0879338941 or email marylucey@careerahead.ie
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