Budgeting & Money tips

Household Bills
Books & Stationary
Travel
Food Shopping
Student Discounts
Where are the shops?
Budget Planner

The Essentials - Household Bills
Work out your monthly expenses and set up direct debits / standing orders from your account to pay your bills. During your first year you are likely to take a place in Halls of Residence. Your accommodation fees will include fuel bills i.e. gas and electricity. In your second/third years you will need to pay for all services associated with living in a shared house or flat.

• Private accommodation - agree with your housemates to set up an account in joint names to pay for shared bills.
• Work out monthly expenses and set up direct debits / standing orders from your account to pay your bills - some providers offer discounts if you pay by this method.
• Ask parents/relatives to purchase telephone cards or vouchers for your mobile phone.
• There is the option to have your telephone set to receive incoming calls only - this would eliminate the chance of accruing large telephone bills and avoid friction between housemates when the bill arrives.
• University Halls of Residence have telephones - you can dial internally at no cost. There are 2 types of telephone cards, one can be credited with cash or by credit/debit card (up to £10.00) and one is disposable (£2.00).

Books & Stationery
• Bring A4 notepads and stationery with you. Most stationery outlets offer discounts and special deals on bulk purchases.
• Remember that students progressing onto the second year of their course may have second hand books available for you to purchase - look out for second hand books and bargains. Check notice boards, book fairs and the university bookshop.

Travel
• Student rail cards and bus passes offer cheaper travel
• Advertise / ask around for lifts / car sharing.
• Taxis are expensive, consider sharing with other students where possible e.g. visits to the supermarket.

Shopping for food
• Stock up from home with non-perishable goods - this will give you time to sort out the best place for bargains.
• Shop around - take advantage of offers.
• Shop in the cheaper supermarkets.
• Get your pots, pans and cutlery together before you arrive.
• Apply for a University Smart Card - this can be credited with cash to pay for food at discounted prices.
• Bring the essential items you think you will need. If you are in Halls of Residence wait until you arrive before purchasing larger items e.g. kettles and toasters as you are more than likely to end up with 6 of everything in your house/flat! Discuss with your housemates who will purchase what and share your costs out.
• Sort out a weekly menu in advance and stick to it. It may be cheaper to make your own sandwiches than buy them.
• Remember that supermarkets are not the only place to shop, Preston also has an excellent covered market with a wide choice of goods.

Use all Student Discounts!
Don't forget to budget for hidden essentials such as haircuts, special occasions, birthdays etc. You may also decide to join one of the many clubs & societies at the University. If you are taking up a new hobby or pastime there may be a cost for specialist equipment or material.

Where are the shops?
Aldi - caters mainly for grocery items and fresh fruit/veg is very cheap.
It can be found at the bottom of Corporation Street, opposite Office World and is only 5-10 minutes walk from Foster Building. 

Lidl - caters mainly for grocery items and fresh fruit/veg is very cheap.
It can be found on Strand Road, at the bottom of Marsh Lane.

Market - the indoor market is open every day except Sunday selling cheap fresh fruit/vegetables and fish. The indoor market can be found at the top of Orchard Street, opposite Squires Nightclub.

Budget Planner
This Budget Planner was created by Sheffield Hallam University in order to assist students in their budgeting.

For other budgeting tips and advice see the following websites:
• Students’ Union Financial Advice     
• National Debt Line