Student survival
We provide some great tips to save money, stay safe and find the right accommodation!
Money Saving Tips
1. Kick The Habit
Smoking might have seemed cool in school, but if you're now getting through 20 a day, you stand to shell out £5000 over a 3 year degree period. For information on how to quit call the NHS smoking helpline on 0800 169 0169.
The ban is in public places in England from 01/07/07 and is a further reason why to quit.
2. Save Electricity
Don't leave laptops, televisions and DVD players on standby. The Energy Saving Trust estimated Britain's students could save £15m a year on electricity by switching off gadgets rather than leaving them on standby.
3. Shop Online
Shop online, where prices for almost everything are lower than the high street.
4. Leave The Trolley
Don't pick up a basket when shopping, it will encourage you to add items you don't really need.
5. Fruit and Veg
Supermarket fruit and veg can be expensive. Instead try your local market. In the afternoons when stallholders are packing up, you may be able to pick up a bargain.
6. Travel Smart
Book your coach journeys well in advance and you can pick up one-way fares for as little as £1. Megabus.com sells seats up to 45 days ahead. At Nationalexpress.com you can book up to 12 weeks ahead. Trainline offers discount train fares across the UK and Europe. Those who book late pay the most.
Staying Safe
Burglary is a growing problem on British campuses. Most freshers arrive with expensive laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players - and little clue they might fall victims to thieves.
One option is to extend your parents' home insurance or to take out insurance in your own name to cover your possessions. This is great, however, this may cover you only for break-ins from your student residence.
Here are some handy hints and tips on staying safe:
Cash Machines
Observe your surroundings before using a cash machine. If the machine is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another cash machine.
Take along a friend, if possible, especially at night.
Have your card ready. Don't fumble through your wallet trying to find it.
Put your cash, card, and receipt away immediately. Count your money later. And always take your receipt with you.
If the bank is open go inside and use the cash machine.
Burglary
Never place identity tags on your key ring. If you lose your keys and the wrong person finds them this is like giving them the keys to your accommodation.
Be aware of bogus door to door callers, requesting personal details or claiming to be somebody they are not. When in doubt, request identification.
Don't leave your personal belongings on show in the window.
Always make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your accommodation.
Street Robbery
Walk in groups and stay in well lit areas. There's less chance of a personal attack when there are witnesses or the action can be easily seen.
Walk with your head up and look around you as you walk.
Avoid leaving personal belongings on show.
Always be aware of your surroundings and don't walk in areas you are not familiar with.
For more information on student safety please visit the Home Office Student Safety Website
Jobs
University is without doubt the best time of your life. Planning ahead will help prepare you after graduation and stop any last minute panic.
We've included some useful links with lots of information, as possible starting points for use now, or for you to save as Favourites.
- Hobsons.co.uk
- Prospects.ac.uk
- GraduateJobs.com
- Milkaround
- Just4graduates.net
- The Big Choice
- Graduate Recruitment Bureau
- Graduate Monster
- Active Student Jobs
- The Graduate
Tenancy Tips & Advice
There is lots of student accommodation to choose from, of varying degrees of quality. There is also plenty of information available about the various areas students prefer to live in. Things to look out for include easy access to local amenities, bus routes, shops and supermarkets.
Having decided upon your preferred area and how many housemates you intend to share your home with, you need to find properties which have the right facilities for you. Internet access, fire and intruder alarms are a few of the important features and if the property has been fully refurbished this should mean that you will have fewer problems.
Check the cost of rent carefully and what this includes. Check also how and when you are expected to pay e.g. monthly or per term. Once you sign a Tenancy Agreement you are legally required to meet your financial obligations and as payment dates may not coincide with those of your Student Loan, it is important that you budget carefully.
Once you have arranged to view, look out for signs that the property has been well maintained and that the landlord regularly carries out checks.
You may be asked to pay a Holding Deposit to reserve the property; make sure you are given a receipt for any money paid out along with obtaining a copy of any Application Form you are asked to complete to confirm the arrangement.
Check any contractual documents carefully before signing and if in doubt seek advice.
Make sure that there is a procedure in place regarding checking into your new home which explains all about the property, the Health and Safety features and that you read any Inventory and Schedule of Condition carefully before you sign this; this is a permanent record for both you and your landlord.
Your student days should be among the best days of your life and making the right choice for your student home will help make this possible
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