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Posted Dec. 9, 2012

6 Ways to Improve Postgraduate Student Living Conditions

After factoring in accommodation and tuition fees , as well as utilities such as gas and electric, the average student is left with at measly £11.15 a week - according to an NUS survey . Doable?
 

With next to nothing to spend on food, clothes and other course essentials what can postgraduate students do to improve their living conditions...
 

Forget Public Transport

Yes there's railcards and student discounts, but in reality nothing beats walking. When you're trying to survive on a budget as tight as this every little counts. Imagine what yummy treats you could spend that extra tenner on a week if you don't throw it away on public transport. A good few miles of walking a day will work wonders for your health, and the fresh air will help clear your mind putting you in the perfect mood for studying!
 

Become Friends With Your Local Market Traders

Everyone's got a local market that sells fresh fruit and veggies, so make use of it. Striking up a friendship with your local market traders could be the best thing you ever do when attempting to live the postgraduate lifestyle without breaking the bank. Buying at the market can save you anywhere up to 50% on produce, if not more if you buy in bulk. Whatever you do, don't give in to Tesco's 7p noodles - thing's are never that bad!
 

Raid the Uni Computer Room

Need pens and paper? Don't get your wallet out just yet. Before heading into town to see what the local stationary shop has to offer, check out your university computer room. People leave pens lying around all the time, and there's more than enough paper in the printer to go around.
 

eBay

If you're in desperate need of some new threads, don't bother wasting you've cash on the high street - shop on eBay instead. You'll be amazed at what brand new stuff you can get from all your favourite labels such as Topshop and H&M for a fraction of the original price. And if you're not bothered about wearing second hand, you can basically buy a whole new wardrobe for under £100 if you shop savvy.
 

Utilize the Librar y

Course books can be costly, but that's what the library is there for! You don't even have to loan the book. Simply photocopy what you need when you need it. Have all the copies of the book you're after been loaned already? Ask one of your course mates if they'll let you borrow theirs. If photocopying is too pricey, use a scanner instead and save the files directly on your laptop. Voila! You made your own eBook.
 

Get Job Hunting

Unfortunately, no matter how many corners you cut, getting a part-time job may be the only answer to your money worries. If you don't want to live on the bread line, extra cash might be essential for your sanity. Head on down to your local job centre and take whatever position you can get your hands on.
 

Have you got any postgraduate student living tips to add?
 

Let us know in the comments below.
 

 

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