Budgeting isn’t always as easy as one, two, three. There are many little costs out there can sneak up on your unsuspecting self. Rent, food and bills aside, we’ve compiled a list of cheeky devils that try to catch you out!
Be Warned!
TV licence – Living on Campus doesn’t mean that everything comes for free, and this certainly applies to what has to be an absolute necessity for a student, a TV licence. Even if you don’t have a TV, you can still get caught out by streaming live on your laptops, which can result in a maximum fine of £1000! BBC iplayer, 4od and the like are however fine.
Library Fines – I may be completely right in saying this: no-one budgets for library fines. However, using my telepathic senses I can guarantee that most of you reading this will at some point accumulate a rather tasty amount of fines in your university career. (Naughty, naughty)
Clubs/Society/Gym etc – Social and physical activity is pretty essential in ensuring that you are looking after yourself and having a good time. Unfortunately, some of these pleasantries in your life come at a cost. Clubs and societies may require signing-on fees, and university gyms, though often relatively cheap, will still require some form of regular payment.
Printing Costs – Printing costs though comparatively small to the rest of your outgoings still add up, and you’d be surprised by your yearly total. An easy way to go about this is to keep a piggy bank (maybe an old can) for your loose change. Having a ready stash of coins will make your life that much easier for your mad dashes to the printer when those dreaded deadlines are approaching!
Course days out/field trips – Most University outings will be completely voluntary, however there are in fact some courses that have compulsory attendance for field trips, or days out. A good way to go about this is by thoroughly checking out your module booklets, which should have details of any compulsory or voluntary outings. There are of course Uni trips and holidays available purely for your entertainment. If you think that going away with your new mates appeals to you it may make sense putting away of couple of hundred early doors so if the opportunity arises you won’t be the one missing out!
Travel – Not all freshers will live on halls, and even some of you that do may find yourselves having to travel from one end of the Uni to the other to attend those essential lectures! Public transport has been on the rise of late, so be prepared to spend a few extra quid a week for those study commutes, and of course the nights out in town.
Books + articles – Plugging away at coursework can be a bit of a nightmare, especially if you cannot find the essential book or article that will give you the edge over your classmates. University libraries are usually very useful and provide an excellent service, however if your desired book is not in stock you may have to brace yourself for a visit to Amazon or Ebay! The same applies with online articles, with some websites requiring payments for online documents.
Newspapers + Magazines – Now, being a student you have a responsibility to keep up to date with what is going on in the world, as you my friend are the future! Newspapers and magazines not only keep you up to date with goings on but can also significantly help you on your course, providing you with the latest information and contemporary thought. Media students especially will have to get used to regular trips to the newsagents!
Laundry – You now no longer have the luxury of a personal maid, i.e. your mum or dad, which leaves you with the responsibility of washing your own clothes! It won’t be long before piles and piles of dirty washing have amassed on your bedroom floor, probably alongside the week old pizza boxes. When you eventually decide to make the trek to the laundry rooms, be prepared to spend a few pounds on detergent and general use of the washing and drying machines.
Housing Deposits – You may be venturing onto halls now, but when the hectic year of campus life is over, for the majority of you the next step will be to find your student digs. Universities will give you the help you need and point you in the right direction, however when you have found the perfect new flat, you will need to place a holding deposit and then a final deposit when you move in. It may seem like a million miles away but you will need to start looking for your 2nd year accommodation in early spring next year.
