Stick to a budget

As dull as it may sound, setting a budget and sticking to it can really help. Draw up a spreadsheet of all your outgoings and any income you have and set yourself a spending limit. Also, setting up direct debits for bills will help you manage your money.

You could also try and leave your cash card at home when you go to university. Take out only what you need - all those tenners you draw out soon add up.

Supermarket sweep

All supermarkets have 'value' ranges, which might not be as bad as you think. Cleaning products and toiletries in particular are usually significantly cheaper than named brands and will noticeably reduce your shopping bill. Also, it is usually cheaper to buy multi-packs, a four-can of baked beans, or 12 toilet rolls, for example.

Another tip is to go to the supermarket at the end of the day. Often, they will have reduced the price on products that are due to go out of date, including bread (one of the most expensive food items), which you can take home and freeze.

Borrow

Buying books can be expensive. Sharing books with course mates will allow you to split the cost. And there’s always the library of course, but make sure you get there quick.

Cook together

Why not club in together for food and plan meals that will last you all week. Not only will you save money, you will improve your cooking skills and spend quality time with your friends. You can download free recipes from a number of websites, including BBC Food, which means you don’t even have to spend money on a cook book.

You can also pack your own lunch – making your own lunch for a week will save you enough for a night out.

Get online

Buying goods online can be cheaper and often more convenient. eBay is an excellent place to buy and sell goods. You can also sell unwanted text books on Amazon or, better still, search for goods on Freecyle. This website has everything from desks to books on it. Sign up to your local Freecyle and save yourself a packet. All you have to do is collect the goods. 

Walk everywhere 

If you live close to your college or university, you could save a lot of money on transport by walking. You can always walk with friends if you are worried about your safety, especially at night time.

Use your NUS Extra card

NUS Extra offers discounts on a range of shops offering between 10 – 25 per cent discounts. Look out for the student discount sign in every shop you go in. If you can’t see it, ask. You could be missing out.

Do it for charity

Charity shops are excellent places to dig out a bargain. Most charity shops sell clothes and shoes, and all for a fraction of the cost of the high street. You can also pick up homeware and used books in most shops.