Student Accommodation: The Essential Guide & Costs Overview
When you’re a student, university is about more than just gaining a piece of paper. It’s about meeting new people, gaining independence, exploring a new city and expanding your mind. But it can be daunting, with so many changes happening all at once. That’s why we’ve created this student hub, which has all the resources you need to make the most of your time at university.
What student banking and finance resources are out there?
If you’ve never had to think about managing your finances, then you might want to consider taking a look at our student banking and financial resources page. When it comes to managing your money during your studies there are a few things to remember.
- Create a budget at the start of the year to track your income
- Understand the costs and benefits of different bank accounts
- Consider the perks and pitfalls of having an overdraft
- Have an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs
- Keep an eye on inflation so you anticipate fluctuations in the price of goods and services
This page offers a jumping off point to all the student banking and finance resource advice you’ll need before setting out on your studies. It includes guidance on how to manage your finances throughout your studies as well as information on useful tools such as student-loan-repayment and rent-affordability calculators.
How to bank as a student
A vital part of banking while at university is picking the best bank account for you.
You could opt for a standard current account but there are also plenty of specially tailored student bank accounts, each with their own perks and overdraft options. Your job is to find the account that best matches your needs.
Here’s what you should think about:
Do you want an overdraft?
Overdrafts can be handy for getting out of financial scrapes, but could leave you with even more debt when you leave university. If you fear that you’ll end up spending your overdraft on clothes or concert tickets then perhaps it is better to avoid the temptation of such an account.
What student bank account perks would suit you?
Are you more likely to spend your university time travelling from town to town, going out for dinner, or with your head down in your studies? You can get perks to help you with all these, so assessing your likely lifestyle should help you pick which bank account is right for you.
How to budget as a student
With the cost of rent, food, books and the odd night out, budgeting as a student can feel quite stressful. And that doesn’t include other costs you may face later on during your time at university, such as broadband or mobile contracts.
As so many forces push you from side to side, it can be hard to find clarity. That’s where our student budgeting guide comes in. It offers all the advice you need to control your spending and potentially boost your income.
Applying for student accommodation
Getting student accommodation right is one of the most important decisions any undergraduate has to make during their time at university.
Here are some questions to think about before securing your place in student halls:
- How close is the accommodation to the campus?
- How expensive is it?
- What safety and security measures does the accommodation have?
- Are there any reviews from previous tenants?
- What facilities does the accommodation have?
- Do the rooms have en-suite bathrooms?
- Does you have the use of a kitchen?
We’ve compiled the ultimate student accommodation guide, delving into the benefits of student accommodation versus living at home, the different types of student accommodation, the things you need to weigh up when choosing a property for a second and third year, and more.
How do you find a job as a student?
More and more university students work a paid job to supplement their income during their studies. A survey from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) shows that 55% of students are now doing paid work, compared to 45% the year before1.
Finding a job while at university may seem like a difficult task, but there are plenty of options out there. That’s why we’ve collated the ultimate student jobs and working resources page, which not only showcases what employment opportunities are out there, but also how they can be snapped up.
This guide will offer you all the information you need on how to get a job as a student. From finding one that is right for you, nailing that elusive CV, and keeping your nerves together for the interview, our guide is on hand to supply all the help you need.
Student job tips worth considering
- 1Start looking for jobs before the term starts to have a wider selection of options
- 2Attend job fairs or get in touch with the university careers office
- 3Write-up your CV and tailor it for each job you apply for
- 4Visit local businesses to see if they have any vacancies, or consider a job on campus
- 5Prepare for interviews, including coming with your own questions
Interesting facts and stats about UK students
Looking to delve into the world of student statistics, then come this way. This guide has everything you need to know about student life, from what percentage of students finish their degree, to what grade they get.
It also features information about the job prospects of students once they have secured their qualifications.
