Now would be a great time to start putting your student budget together. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you get started:
Rent:
Depending on the accommodation you choose, you may be paying weekly, monthly, or even is less frequent installments. Make sure you know when your rent is due and plan accordingly.
Bills:
A lot of accommodations include some or all bills in their rent, but make sure you know what is included. The most typical bills to look out for are gas, water, electricity and Wi-Fi.
Food:
Estimate your monthly grocery expenses and allocate funds for eating out or ordering food occasionally.
Transportation:
Account for transportation costs, such as public transportation fees. Keep an eye out for student travel cards on bus and rail to make savings.
Books and supplies:
Budget for textbooks, notebooks, stationery, and any other supplies required for your courses.
Technology:
Include expenses for a laptop and other tech-related needs for academic purposes.
Personal expenses:
Allocate funds for personal items like clothing, toiletries, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Entertainment and leisure:
Set aside a reasonable amount for entertainment, socialising, and leisure activities to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Course materials:
Budget for additional school-related expenses, course materials, and any equipment specific to your university course.
Mobile phone:
Include costs for your mobile phone plan if you're responsible for these expenses.
Laundry and cleaning supplies:
Consider the cost of laundry services or detergent and cleaning supplies if you're living independently.
Health and wellbeing:
If you plan to use a gym or participate in recreational activities, allocate funds accordingly.
Budget tracking:
Use budgeting apps or tools to track your spending and ensure you stay within your allocated amounts for each category.