ejt87's trying to become debt free whilst at uni thread!

wendz86

I always used to spend loads of money buying lunch and things at uni. Can be long days and you get hungry! Try and make packed lunches if you can though as if you spend a couple of quid every day it really adds up.

It is definitely worth asking for some help money wise at uni. My housemate last year used to get about 400 pounds a term she didn't have to pay back which would really help out. You just have to fill out a long form about all your exspences etc. She spent half her money on clothes and still got it.

ejt87

wendz86 wrote: »

I always used to spend loads of money buying lunch and things at uni. Can be long days and you get hungry! Try and make packed lunches if you can though as if you spend a couple of quid every day it really adds up.

It is definitely worth asking for some help money wise at uni. My housemate last year used to get about 400 pounds a term she didn't have to pay back which would really help out. You just have to fill out a long form about all your exspences etc. She spent half her money on clothes and still got it.

I know, I'm going to buy some bread tonight and force myself to make sandwhiches, I might get some of those tortilla wraps as well so I don't get too bored eatting the same things everyday. 80p on a loaf of bread is better than £1.45 each day!

I will fill in one of those forms I think, I was worried they wouldnt give me anything because I have a part time job, but I can only try

ejt87

Been to Asda tonight and spent a little bit of money, only on some bannanas, apples, bread and milk though so I don't feel too bad, plus I went home to see Mam and she made me a free dinner and tea so that was great

Pippilongstocking

Hi there
Goodluck with it all - someone recommended that I use www.spendingdiary.com - its really easy (free) and makes loads of whzzy diagrams. Might help you keep motivated to keep a spending diary!!

Well done on the things you have cut so far x

ejt87

I've started a spending diary, not sure if I'm updating it properly but I'm giving it a go!

Came home from work tonight to a snotty note from my housemate

"Can someone else buy washing up liquid. I'm sick of buying it. Poundland - 2 for a pound."

I wouldn't mind, but she hasn't put any money on the Gas Meter since January (she claims, we think it was December) and we've currently run out. It's not too bad in my bedroom cos I have an electric heater (and lec is included in my rent) but it's a nightmare having to boil the kettle everytime you want to wash your pots and it's been this way for 3 weeks now. When I left her a note asking her to pop £10 on the gas she said "I will when I have money" which isn't til the 20th April when our loans go in.

So I left a reply saying "Its pointless without hot water, but whatever."

I'm going to get the cheapest stuff I can, probably the smartprice stuff from work. She infuriates me so, so much

Oh and she's gone out tonight, so yeah she must be skint ARGH!!

ghostmadlittlemiss

I don't mean to scare you or anything, but we got told the next student loan's not due until 27th April.

I'll definitely follow this diary, I'm a student too. I'm a 2nd year and my housemates drive me mad sometimes too. We've got Siobhan, lovely, no trouble, moving out in the summer. Jess, who hardly ever talks, lives in her room, doesn't even answer sometimes when you say hello to her, I'm living with her in Sept still. And last but not least, Simon, the anal retentive of the household, graduating this summer. Very precise, keeps us all organised, takes forever to finish a sentence and irons his bedding. What's the point? You sleep on it, no one sees it (that would care about creases anyway)! Thankfully, they're good on bills at least.

The weekly spend challenge is a good one to join, should pop up again on Sun. Most people just use it for general spending but I use it for everything, including food. I only started on it this week but it's going to be a Godsend this next few weeks, I've got to live on £10 a week 'til the next loan's due in. :eek: That's how I know it's the 27th, I'm counting down the days. What course are you on?
Kayleigh

boopydoo

Hey I'm a student too and I know how easy it is to get into debt- you get offered so much "free money" when you start uni and before you know it- you're £2000 in debt!

I have made my CCs my priority and am going to start on the overdraft when they are cleared

I stayed at home and commuted to uni- its only 30 mins away from my house and I saw how awful student accommodations could be when I visited my sister at uni- put me off sharing with people for life! My parents don't charge me rent or food either so pretty sweet set up! So really all I have to show for my debt is a wardrobe full of clothes and a few hangovers

ejt87

ghostmadlittlemiss wrote: »

The weekly spend challenge is a good one to join, should pop up again on Sun. Most people just use it for general spending but I use it for everything, including food. I only started on it this week but it's going to be a Godsend this next few weeks, I've got to live on £10 a week 'til the next loan's due in. :eek: That's how I know it's the 27th, I'm counting down the days. What course are you on?
Kayleigh

Oh dear I'll have to check on the loan situation, my first day back for my last term is 20th April so I was sure it was then I'll just have to make sure I don't touch my April pay to make sure it will cover my rent because that comes out on the 27th and I can't afford any mess ups with the payments!

I'll definately have a look at the spending challenge, I've done alright so far this week but I will need some petrol soon. Sounds like a good idea to just withdraw a tenner on a Monday and not use anything else!

I'm doing Media Studies with English Studies, It's a good course, I'm in uni everyday though which was a shock to the system as the stupid course I was on last year was only 3! lol What do you do?

Emma

ejt87

boopydoo wrote: »

I stayed at home and commuted to uni- its only 30 mins away from my house and I saw how awful student accommodations could be when I visited my sister at uni- put me off sharing with people for life! My parents don't charge me rent or food either so pretty sweet set up! So really all I have to show for my debt is a wardrobe full of clothes and a few hangovers

I'm only a 45 minute drive so it shouldn't be too bad, I've had my mad year of living away from home and partying so now I have that out of my system its ok. I live with my best friend which is fantastic, but the other girl who was moving in with us dropped out of uni and we ended up taking anyone in who'd have the room. The result was a messy, noisy, disrespectful brat but I only have a few more months of her thankfully

What uni are you in?

tealady

Hi Do you drive to Uni? if you do and give lifts then don't forget to ask for a contribution. I found a useful rule of thumb was 50% of the bus fare.
Also check out who has the cheapest petrol locally at https://www.petrolprices.com
And if your journey is less than a mile then walk.
When you have finished with your text books try selling them on as well.
HTH