Your cupboard is barely stocked, and only with supermarket own brand products
You only do the washing up when it becomes a health hazard
You use everybody’s condiments, promising to buy some later if caught
“Pasta is communal, isn’t it?”
You send all important letters to your parents; they know what to do
“Why would I join the gym? Running is free!”
The Library is a foreign, daunting place
A house argument is a lovely time to go for a walk
A Dodger’s Guide to Uni
So you’re off to Uni, accommodation sorted, student loan application done, bags packed; before you know it you’ll have forgotten about home and be enjoying all that Freshers has to offer. If you’re a true Dodger, you’ll already have an idea of how to scrimp and save, but we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you keep on top of your cash, along with some top money making ideas just to give you that extra helping hand.
The Dodger’s Top App
VoucherCloud
This app is great for finding discount vouchers and sales in your vicinity – it’s an essential app for the money conscious dodger and could help you save a hefty amount over the course of the year – maybe money to put towards buying some of your own stuff!
Ways to Save:
• Freecycle.co.uk
Freecycle is an amazing resource that allows people to offer second hand furniture, appliances and many more items for free instead of binning them. This site could come in handy and your housemates will love the contribution.
• Leave your cards at home
Budget for a night out and only take that money with you; leave the cards at home. Waking up with a hangover is one thing, but realising that you’ll have to eat beans for a week after spending all your money is enough to give you a real headache.
• Leave the Car at Home
Don’t be lazy! Take a bike not a car, its much cheaper and healthier and you'll be able to explore your new town or city.
• Discount Galore
Look online for discount websites and sign up to them. Here’s a few to start you off...
Student Beans,
Groupon,
Voucher Cloud,
02 Priority moments
• Invest in NUS Extra
Get yourself a Railcard while you’re at it too. The Railcard will come in handy for those mandatory trips home. Make sure to find out where your NUS extra card works on their awesome website and make sure you always carry it around with you.
Some of the many benefits of an NUS Extra Card:
- Alton Towers
- Orange
- Ticketmaster
- Easy Jet
- Apple Store
- Pizza Hut
- New Look
- National Express
- Miss Selfridge
- Prezzo
• Cook and buy in bulk
Make large meals and freeze leftovers to save money. Maybe take the local pizza delivery off speed dial? You could even impress your parents with your newly learnt culinary skills.
• Budget!
Use an online tool such as the UCAS Budget Calculator when planning. It will stop you missing important things off the list.
Dodge that negative bank balance:
• Get a part-time job
It can be difficult finding a part time term job when competing against all the other students at your university, so get your CV ready before your settle in at uni, and spend a day in the summer handing CVs out. You may even secure a job before you start uni. Also, temp agencies love students, so have a look for your local temp agency. Take a look at 'Get Going with Endsleigh' - our support for students and graduates.
• Become a Mystery Shopper
You can earn anything between £20 and £100 a day as a mystery shopper for trying out a new restaurant or for staying in a hotel. Even better you could test a supermarket and take some food and drink home for nothing. Get started by checking out these sites: Market Force, Intelligent Marketing Solutions, GfK Mystery Shopping and Money Magpie.
• Help out the Student Union
Take advantage of being at uni and become a student ambassador or representative. You could get paid for doing tours and open days. Or why not get involved with your SU and get behind the bar for a change!
• Tutor
An ideal job to fit around your studies and tutoring somebody else can really help to make sure you’re prepared for your own exams. There are many agencies such as UK Tutors who pay up to £80 an hour, or advertise your services in the local paper.
• Take Surveys
Get paid for your opinion at by taking online surveys with sites like Valued Opinions. What a simple way to earn money in the comfort of your own home.
• Sign up to free cashback websites
Sign up to sites such as Quidco.
• Spring Clean
According to a recent survey the average house contains £3,540 worth of unused clutter. Before you go to uni, have a clear out of unwanted clothes, DVDs, books and gadgets. Use sites such as Amazon, Ebay or Gumtree to sell your items.
Not quite the Dodger?
Are you
a)
The Boss
b)
The Party Animal
c)
The Geek
^ Terms and conditions apply to Bonus Accelerator:
1. No claims discount will be earned providing no claims have been made (excluding windscreen claims or claims where all costs have been recovered).
2. 1 year no claims discount is not transferrable to another insurer at the first 6 month renewal.
3. If you cease to be a student, but have not made any other changes to your policy then we will continue this offer with the same insurer, provided your new occupation remains acceptable.
Always on the lookout for freebies?
Why not give the thumbs up to a prize every Friday with Endsleigh's Fantime Friday.
Simply become a fan of our Facebook page and then register for your ticket – we’re giving away the latest in gadgets and technology, and even bundles of cash!
You can have your say on the latest hype in gadget trends, capabilities and design, then get involved in our weekly polls and review our handy hints and tips about the latest technology – even offer your own advice! Join Fantime Friday at
facebook.com/endsleigh today for your chance to win.
