Student hacks

The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money as a Student

December 21, 2022

Sven's Ultimate Guide to Saving Money as a Student

For students travelling to Australia, money is likely a major concern. After all, you need funds for adequate accommodation, delicious food, and exciting activities. But don't worry – with a little know-how and the right tips; there are plenty of ways to enjoy your travels without breaking the bank! Our ultimate guide will help you save money as an Australian student so that you can make the most out of your adventure Down Under. So keep reading to learn invaluable budgeting advice from experienced travellers and adventure seekers who have navigated their way around Australia on a budget!

Establish a budget and stick to it

Establishing a budget and sticking to it is an essential hack for managing your finances as a student. It helps you keep track of your income and expenses and ensure you're making the most of your money.

To establish a budget:

  1. Start by listing your monthly income, including any scholarships, grants, or part-time jobs.
  2. Make a list of your expenses, including tuition, rent, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
  3. Subtract your expenses from your income to see if you have a surplus or deficit.

If you have a deficit, look for ways to cut back on expenses or increase your income. If you have a surplus, consider saving money or paying off debt.

Once your budget is set, it's essential to stick to it. This means making conscious decisions about your spending and avoiding impulse purchases. 

Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses and monitor your progress. Additionally, review your budget on a regular basis and make adjustments as necessary.

Remember that budgeting is not a one-time activity; it's a continuous process that requires monitoring, adjusting and staying committed to it.

Shop around for the best deals on textbooks and other school supplies

Shopping around for the best deals on textbooks and other school supplies is another essential hack for managing your finances as a student. Textbooks and other course materials can be expensive, but by doing research and comparison shopping, you can save significant money.

Here are a few ways to find the best deals on textbooks:

  1. Check the bookstore at your school: The campus bookstore or university online library often offers the most competitive prices for textbooks. However, don't assume that the price listed is the best deal. Compare prices with other options. Also, get in early, many text books can be borrowed for FREE, so it is important that you get your hands on one before they all go!
  2. Buy used textbooks: Buying used textbooks can save you a significant amount of money. Check online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for deals on used textbooks.
  3. Rent textbooks: Some online retailers and college bookstores offer textbook rental services. This can be a great option if you only need a textbook for a semester or quarter.
  4. Check online retailers: Online retailers like Amazon, Chegg and Barnes & Noble often offer better deals on textbooks than brick-and-mortar stores.
  5. Look for digital versions: Some textbooks are available in digital format, which can be less expensive than the print version.
  6. Share with classmates: You can share a textbook with a classmate and split the cost.

By shopping around and comparing prices, you can save significant money on textbooks and other school supplies. This will help you to stay within your budget and make the most of your money.

Cook meals at home instead of eating out or buying fast food

Cooking meals at home is an excellent way for students to save money. Eating out or buying fast food can be expensive and add up quickly. By cooking your meals, you can save money on food costs and also have control over what you're eating, so you can make healthier choices. Additionally, you can buy ingredients in bulk and make large batches of meals that can be stored and reheated later, saving time and money. You can also plan your meals in advance and create a grocery list to help you stick to your budget. Overall, cooking meals at home is an excellent way for students to save money while also maintaining a healthy diet.

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Make use of student discounts whenever possible

Making use of student discounts is an excellent way for students to save money. Many businesses offer student discounts on products and services such as clothing, electronics, transportation, and entertainment. To take advantage of student discounts, students should always carry their student ID and ask about discounts before making a purchase.

We also highly recommend finding student discounts on specific apps and websites like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and ISIC for more options. These are absolutely fantastic and one of the best ways to save money as a student!

Sven Jobs

The ultimate way to save money is to make money. Sven Jobs is an app powered by technology that matches workers with job providers based on their skills, experience, location, and availability. Did we mention it's entirely FREE for workers!

It will allow you to match with jobs based on your university schedule. You can pick up shifts and get paid instantly if you have some extra time between exams or assignments or perhaps over the mid-semester break. Sven pays all your shifts in one weekly payment and automatically calculates rates, breaks and allowances based on modern awards and other legal requirements. We developed Sven so that you can join and apply for shifts in minutes. We work for you so that you can swap out the cringe CV updates and in-person interviews for a seamless online experience.

Sven is available in New South Wales, Australia, for the restaurant, hospitality and fast-food industries. Sven Jobs will expand to the rest of Australia, and more industries, in 2023.

You can download the Sven Jobs app on the App store and Google Play store or jump on the waiting list for all other states and territories at https://www.svenjobs.com.au/.

Being a student can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be – armed with the money-saving tips in "The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money as a Student" you can combat the rising cost of tuition and the cost of living. So keep up to date with your budgeting strategies, shop for the best deals, and research any discounts or student services you may qualify for. Understanding your finances is the best way to make sure you are making intelligent decisions with your money while studying. After all, why let financial worries get in the way of achieving your goals? With a little effort, anyone – whether they are travellers, students or visa holders – can save money with these key insights in mind. So now go forth and make savvy financial moves!

The information provided in this article is for your information only. While all care has been taken in the preparation of the article, Sven Global Pty Ltd makes no representation or warranty as to, or accepts any responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information, its usefulness in achieving any purpose or your reliance upon it.