Setting and managing your budget

Last week we looked at the basics of student finance; tuition fees, student loans, and other sources of funding. This week we look at the other side of finance; what will you be spending your money on, and how to manage it.

Just like last week, this is not an exciting subject, but few matters are as important as finance when it comes to your studies and your wellbeing. You’ll know from my previous writing, that I don’t believe that money in itself can bring you happiness. However, a lack of money, or the mismanagement of money, can definitely bring misery. And with the amount of money that you are likely to be living on as a student, this is a major risk.

So… today we talk about financial planning. Firstly, how to work out what you need, how much funding you will receive, and how you will make up the shortfall. And secondly, how to manage your money over the course of the year.