It seems that it is common to think that students are short on money and spend most of their time broke. The students that receive a student loan say they are thousands and thousands of pounds in debt. The reality, however, is that students can survive without being financially well off, and they are probably the most comfortable, poor people in society. They are not financially stable but that is why they are going to university in the first place; so, they can have a hope of having a good career that provides for them in the future. Students can survive, because the debt of student loans is not something owed imminently; most students have guarantors not just for their rent but for their lives, as their parents protect them from the consequences of living without money. Suffice to say being a student is entering the adult world but still with a lot of protection.
This makes it a good time to try and learn new things like learning a new hobby, as once you are a truly independent adult, living on your own, and employed you will likely not have the luxury of leisure or time, nor money, to spare. It also makes it an ideal time to save money. It is important to budget, and not look at your student loan as a large sum of money that you have until the next instalment to spend. Set up a savings account and put it in there as if you are savvy with your finances, it is highly unlikely that you will need all of the student finance given to you.
Another way to save for the future is to use any spare time you have to earn some extra cash. Ideally, don’t pick a job that is demanding, and draining, as you need your energy for your studies. Never forget the reason you are at university is to study. It sounds obvious, but it is easy to forget, and prioritise social life, or working instead of studying your course.
Some ways you can earn some extra money include getting a job in hospitality. There are many jobs in this industry for students that are flexible and work around your university schedule. You should only accept the jobs or events you want and can do. It can also be great fun, good work experience, and you will get to see lots of different venues.
Another job that is flexible as you can work when you want, is delivery driver. If you have a bike, a motorbike, or a car, which would be even better, you can deliver either packages or takeaway food.
If you want a larger sum of money quickly, you could take part in Paid Research Studies like those conducted by trials4us. It may sound scary, but everything is clinically tested before they’re tested on humans, so the risks are low. It is still good to be informed, but this can be a great way to earn money, but also help with important medical research.