Tips to manage your student loan

Managing your finances can arguably be one of the hardest parts of being a student.

As the second semester begins for the majority of students, we’ve seen the next student loan instalment already reach our bank accounts.

Third year Journalism student, Chloe Doolan, sat down with Vivien Hart, one of LJMU’s Student Money Advisor, to get her...

Top tips on making your student loan last

Manage your expectations

If you are a student studying away from home, or have returned to study following work, you can’t expect to the live same lifestyle, there’s new responsibilities or less cash flow, that you need to prepare for. Having a budget is a really good way of managing your expectations and bank account so that you can be realistic with what you spend every week.

Working out your disposable income

Figure out what your student loan will be and how many weeks it needs to last for.

If your student loan is means tested on your parent’s income, have a realistic conversation about how much support they can realistically provide you each semester. The cost of living is putting financial strain on lots of people.

Use Blackbullion

Blackbullion is the financial wellbeing platform that equips students with money skills for life and improves their access to funds.

LJMU pay for this service so their student have free and full access to the website, it talks all things student finance and can give you some ideas of things you will be paying out!

Consider getting a job alongside your studies

The money advice team advises students to get a part time job, alongside your studiest, to take off some of the financial strain. It’s also a great opportunity to get some extra experience in the field you are interested in, plus it also looks great to future employers as it shows excellent time management skills.

The money advice team are aware that some courses don’t allow extra time for a part time job, however if you visit www.unitemps.com you will come across a wide range of casual hospitality jobs which don’t require a commitment, perfect for some extra cash! LJMU’s Student Futures team also offers lots of paid internships that can be completed alongside your studies and can help you with the application process.

Student discounts

Don’t forget as a student you get access to discounts that can be used all around the city, whether it’s shopping, restaurants or memberships. Unidays, Student Beans and an NUS Totum card all offer great discounts.

Don’t forget LJMU also offers free stationery, 20% off it’s Core on Campus Cafes, plus a gym membership for just £20 (from now until August 31 2023).

For more help managing your money visit the LJMU Money Advice webpages.

Don’t forget, you can also find out about all the financial support on offer at LJMU through the Cost of Living Hub.