Smart Money

Medical school is expensive! So it's bad enough shelling out for fees and accommodation but then you have to LIVE! In a perfect world, this would be free but unfortunately it's gonna cost a bit. Below are some tips on how to watch those pennies.

1. Get a Student Bank Account - kinda obvious really. You're a student and they WANT you to bank with them. Look around at all the deals they offer you such as free overdraft facilities (some up to £2000) and free gifts. Right now, Nationwide give you a free Young Persons Railcard for 5 years worth £125 which saves you hundreds of pounds! Definately worth it.

2. Book trains in advance - you're gonna be getting the train back home or to visit friends every now and then. If you don't already, get a Young Persons Railcard for £24 a year. These babies will pay for themselves in one journey to London, literally! Also, book your trains on www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk in advance and you can save so much on your fares. Also, they don't charge booking fees while thetrainline.com do!

3. Alcohol & Pre-Drinking - if you're planning on getting plastered on a night out, pre-drink at home. You'll save loads and you have just as many options of drinks.

4. Credit/Debit Cards on night out - Basically, they shouldn't be with you. Budget how much you want to spend, take it out before the night and only have that with you. You'll only be tempted to spend more if you have it and wake up regreting it.6. Budgeting - have an idea of how much you want to spend in a week, and keep to it. Some like to withdraw their weekly allowance once a week, keep it in their room and then never use a cash point again. Find what works for you and do it!

7. Fancy Dress - fancy dress shops tend to be rip-offs. PRIMARK is your saviour here. Buy cheap t-shirts, stockings, tights, anything you can modify and build your fancy dress at home. Go to a fabric shop and buy fabric, use bin liners round the house. Be inventive. If you want to go big, check eBay for reduced prices on better get-ups. Just be creative!

8. Cinema - The Odeon is £3.50 student prices while Vue is £6.20. Hmm I wonder which to go to! Also, try to go on Wednesdays and get an Orange Wednesday code off a friend to get 2-4-1 tickets... sweet! Lastly, buy your snacks from the Somerfield right next door. You can get a whole feast of snacks and drinks for £2 or you can get popcorn and a drink inside for £7+... dumb!

9. Societies Squash - It's called that, because it literally is a squash! Have an idea of what you'd like to continue at uni. Don't sign up to everything that tickles you pink, joining fees can be anything from £1.50-100 depending on the society. But of course, have some fun and try something new!

10. However, get the free stuff - There are loads of freebies (like pizza and vouchers) to pick up at each of the stands and you don't even have to join. Have a field day and get yours!!

11. Clothes Washing - At Rowancroft, this costs £2 per wash and £1 per tumble-dry. Get a clothes horse so you can dry your clothes in your room and save a £1 a go! Very worthwhile!

12. Coffee is expensive - If you have a regular coffee on campus during LSRC or PBL, think about investing in a travel flask and taking it with you.

13. Be Stingy - Lending money, buying drinks for people etc is all well and good, but after a while, it adds up. No-one expects students to have money, so just tell them you don't and save a more awkward situation later on!

14. - Free Condoms - Condoms are essential but can be expensive! Upwards of £5 for 12 if you buy them, go to the walk-in centre down on Sidwell Street and pick up 30 free Durex/Mates every 3 months (more than enough for most of you :-p)

15 - Show your student card - Student discounts are everywhere, but it's not always obvious! Show your card and ask if it gives you a discount. You don't lose anything for asking and you'll be surprised how often you get 10-20% off your items!

16. Eating Out - I'm not going to say don't, but look for 2-for-1 deals or other offers around town. And try and limit how often you do it!

5. Student Nights Out - Choose your nights out carefully. Student nights have cheaper entry and cheaper drinks. Check the drink deals beforehand. Non-student nights and clubs will be £3 for a pint when students get £1.50. Just give it some thought.