The new academic year is about to begin! If you're heading into the exciting world of tertiary education for the first time, we've come up with the nzgirl guide to Uni Survival to help you make the most of your time as a student!
From wicked discounts to free concerts, we show you how to save your pennies and have fun while you're at it...
1: Visit Studylink First and foremost make sure you’ve applied for your student loan and/or allowance if you need them. Studylink can help you with a loan for your tuition fees, and if you’re eligible a student allowance or loan for your living costs. There are two important things to remember – only apply for what you need and get your application in as early as possible. This way you won’t have to stress about getting your payments in on time! Visit Studylink now to find out what you are entitled to…
2: Suss out the discounts There are heaps of different businesses that have student discount rates and the best way to find out is to ask! For example, Briscoes in Dunedin give a 30% student discount off everything non-electrical. Plus Tranz-scenic trains offer students 50% off standard adult fares and The Classic comedy club in Auckland have a 2 for 1 deal for anyone with a student ID. Make the most of these great offers while you can – you won’t be a student forever!
3: Make the most of O-Week! At the beginning of each semester Universities usually hold concerts and events with top kiwi bands – and they are free if you are a student of that university! And even if you want to go to another Uni's event, your student ID will usually get you in at a heavily discounted price! Keep your eyes peeled to find out what your Uni or any near you are offering this year!
4: Quit buying all your meals We all know that it’s a lot easier to buy something on the run when you’re late for that 8am lecture, but those food bills add up and fast. Take time to make meals at home the night before or if you’re living in a hall take a pack lunch from there. You’ll soon notice how much more money you’re saving. If you’re a coffee drinker, take one from home in a thermos and save yourself that $5.70 that you would have spent on a viente cappuccino. If you do that everyday you’ll be saving yourself $28.50 a week; that’s over $1000 at the end of the Uni year!
5: Buy your uni books second hand An easy way to cut down on spending is simply by buying second hand. This will mean searching notice boards and asking around for people who have previously studied your subjects but think of all the money you’ll save! Also, don’t forget at the end of the year to sell your own uni books. There are heaps of uni bookstores that will buy second hand and it’s a great way to unload those 10kilo books and make some dough.
1: Visit Studylink
3: 
5: