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Look after the cents and the euros will look after themselves.
Being a student is tough on the purse strings. It's the first time you're really completely in charge of your own day-to-day finances.
The last thing you want to be worrying about is money so we have come up with a handy little list to help you stretch your moolah even further.
Create a budget and stick to it
Okay we know, we know, creating a budget can be a complete pain in the ass but it will really help you to save those pennies. Having a budget will hopefully stop you from running out of money towards the end of the month and save you from having to eat pasta and tomato ketchup because you can't afford anything else.
Use your student discount
Use it all the time! You will miss your student card when it is gone so you might as well milk it for all it is worth during your time at college. Lots of clothes shops, local stores and venues offer students discounts so don't be afraid to ask around.
Book trips home in advance
One of the nicest things about going away to college is being able to come home at the weekend and sleep in your own bed. But going home can be pretty pricey if you do not book in advance. Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann usually provide a good discount for online bookings. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales as well.
Say no to takeaways
We're sorry but it had to be said. Takeaways are brilliant every once in a while when you fancy a treat but avoid buying them every week if you're trying to watch your money. It's very easy to order a takeaway online and put it on your card but think before you spend.
Do your research
During your first week of college, you will have to fork out for lots of things from rent to groceries. One of the most expensive things you will have to buy is your college books.
Most of the time you won't need to buy every single book on the list so do your research. Check college notice boards or your online student portal for second-hand copies on sale around campus. And if that fails, become friends with a little website called Amazon. Very good friends.
Get to know your local charity shops
Macklemore made it officially cool to shop in charity shops. Whether you're on the hunt for a dress for that upcoming ball, or you're simply looking for some bits and bobs to brighten up your college room, make sure you check out what's on offer in your local charity shop before shelling out the big bucks. Second-hand shops are full of hidden treasures.
Stock up on food when you are at home
Mam's kitchen is like a labyrinth of food when you're at college. When you're home at the weekend take full advantage of that well-stocked fridge. If there are any leftovers going spare freeze them in Tupperware boxes and use them throughout the week. Grab a few packets of biccies from the press too.
Do a weekly food shop
You can't get all your groceries from the kitchen at home so at some stage or another you're going to have to do a grocery shop for yourself. The horror! It's so much handier to do one big grocery shop a week instead of nipping to the local corner shop every time you're hungry. Try to buy food that won't go off quickly and while you don't have to plan all your meals it's a good idea to buy ingredients that will work for a few different dishes.
Buy in bulk
No one wants to be caught strolling into halls with a huge multipack of 30 toilet rolls but someone has got to do it. Team up with your flatmates to buy things like toilet roll, kitchen roll, bin bags and washing up liquid from your local euro store. You'll save a fortune and will never be caught without.
Bring home your washing
God bless Irish mammies! During your time in college, she will dutifully let you bring mountains of washing home at the weekend. Doing your laundry at home will not only save you money (washers and dryers are expensive to run) but your clothes will also smell so much cleaner when your mum helps.
Invest in a printer
It might sound crazy, but hooking yourself up with an at-home printer will save you some serious dosh down the line. Printing lengthy journal articles and essay notes on campus will set you back a small fortune throughout the year. Buy a snazzy printer, look after it and it should take you through your entire degree.
Get a student travel card
Are you constantly having to break notes to get cash for the bus, or paying extra because you don't have the exact right change? STOP! Getting yourself a student travel card will save you lots of money over the course of the year. It might seem like a big purchase at the time but trust us it will pay off.
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