Money, money, money ...

I was laying in bed a couple of mornings ago and thought, wow it's really only 4 months until I start university ... I better get a move on and sort a couple of things out!!! One of the most important and most worrying things is money while I'm studying. Today I've set myself a goal of creating a rough draft of my budget for uni, I say rough draft because I don't yet know how I'll be traveling to and from uni (I'm staying at home while I study, very much a home bird!) I may or may not be driving by the time that my start date comes round so it's all up in the air with regards to that at the minute. However,what I do know is that it would be much, much more cost effective for me to be able to drive before I start the course, or soon after that time anyway. 

I've realised how lucky I am as an NHS student and as someone who has chosen to stay home while they study. As you all probably know, NHS students do not pay fees, which is a great help in that we know that there is at least one thing that we don't have to worry about paying back once we finish university and qualify. I was also talking to someone who is staying in university accommodation about money etc, and she told me that once she has paid for her rent and other necessities, she has only £30 to last her for each week. Now, I'm sure she can make do with that considering she also told me her parents are going to help her out but I can't help but compare it to my own situation where I could be left with around £100 to last me the week which of course for a student is absolutely brilliant. That is of course, without part time work. Speaking of which I do have a part time job at the minute but may have to give this up when I start Uni, but to be honest I'm really not sure yet, and it would be a great help to be able to stay on as it would obviously help out with any extra expenses and other things I might need to buy to help me through my course. And of course, would give me the freedom to afford things outside of university in my free time. 

Another thing I've been thinking about is student bank accounts, there are so many, but to be honest I just think I'm going to upgrade to a student account with the provider I'm already with as I haven't been with them long and it would probably be less of a hassle. Unless anyone knows anywhere that is offering a good student bank account deal?

I would really appreciate it if anyone has any ideas or tips about how to manage money while at uni or if they found anything that helped them manage their money well while they were studying. I will always appreciate someone taking the time to comment on my blog and to give me some hints and tips :)