But what if you don't have a financial contribution to your budget from the bank of mum, dad, partner or other family/friends while you are in higher education?
What might your budget look like?
There are lots of example budgets out there and "what the average student spends" guides - Google away! There are lots of examples.
So we are not going to regurgitate that information in our own version - not least because there is no such thing as an average student. Each student is an individual, with there own backgrounds, values, drivers and pressures.
The example budgets do serve as excellent guides, though they do tend to be based on the circumstances of traditional, single, school or college leaving students. This covers a large proportion of students but by no means all situations of the diverse students in higher education
No matter your circumstance you are likely to have to supplement any statutory student income to some extent.
MAXIMISE your income by
Making sure you are receiving all the student finance you are entitled to
Asking if you are entitled to any welfare benefits - this is more likely if you are a lone parent, a student couple with children, a disabled student or a part-time student. See Any Benefit?
eXploring if you could be entitled to a bursary or other financial help from your university or college
Interest free borrowing via an overdraft offered with a student bank account
Making an application to the university/college Hardship Fund
Identifying all your income and expenditure - understand and manage your budget
Searching for help from a charity or trust fund e.g. www.familyaction.org.uk www.turn2us.org.uk
Employment, work part-time alongside your studies - check you uni for Jobshop/Careers
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