On a tight budget right now? See our top student tips for saving your money
The struggle is real for uni students – trying to cover rent, bills and fuel while juggling study and work at this point in time is not easy. And then we’ve got to take your long- or short-term savings plans into account!
Thankfully, some of Deakin’s enterprising students have put their time towards researching inventive ways to manage their finances, culminating in a range of articles and resources to help you get the most out of your money and available support services.
Here, to revisit our popular ‘Saving your money as a student’ blog series, we share some tips and tricks that could help you leverage available resources and reduce your practical expenses so you can focus on what matters most: your studies and your savings. First up, we explore some ways you can claim rewards and make your money go further via student Amber Leach’s insights.
Did you know you can save hundreds of dollars by virtue of your student status?
There’s lots of services, rewards and savings programs out there – which include offers available exclusively to students – if you know where to look. See if any of the following could help you save some cash or nab other goodies! To begin, we’ll look at what’s available at Deakin.
Join your Student Association
The Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) offers different levels of membership to all students and staff, with bronze, silver, gold and associate options. All these membership levels have an annual joining fee ranging from an affordable $10–$45, and each provide you different rewards for joining. DUSA exists to advocate for all students at Deakin and to provide you a fun and productive university experience.
- The DUSA Food Pantry also aims to provide all students with a range of free fresh fruit, veggies and pantry staples to make nutritious meals, and you can also grab free brekky on campus every Wednesday in Burwood and Geelong.
- DUSA can also offer advice to all students on financial wellbeing and cost-of-living support.
- As a member, you can receive discounts when joining Deakin social clubs, certain university events and activities, short courses, and receive discounts at local retailers and chains.
- It is also worth keeping an eye on the DUSA Instagram and Facebook social channels as they sometimes announce events and competitions here.
Explore financial assistance at Deakin
In addition to DUSA, there are many other services and advice available via the Deakin website which may be able to assist you if you’re in financial need.
- Financial support: We may be able to offer you an interest-free loan or other support options.
- Study-related grants: If you are planning to undertake a clinical placement or work-integrated learning, we may have a grant to support you.
- Government assistance: There are a range of government payments from Centrelink available to you as a student – explore them now.
- Managing your money: See this webpage for a range of budgeting tips and financial hardship support.
- Commonwealth Prac Payment: Learn more about the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP). The CPP is an Australian Government initiative that provides financial support to eligible students undertaking mandatory placements in entry-to-practice teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work courses.
Claim government concessions
For those of you who hold concession cards, remember to use them to your advantage.
- Presenting your Health Care Card can help you save on the cost of medical prescriptions and even your car registration.
- Some bill and insurance companies also have special offers for students and other concession card holders. Contact your providers to find out if they have any current offers applicable to you.
- Check your bank arrangements and super funds too: just because something is labelled as a ‘student account’ it doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for every student’s circumstances. Give them a call or go in for a chat to see what’s right for you.
- A Tertiary Access Payment is one-off payment – paid in two instalments – offered to students who have to move a certain distance away from home to study. Visit the website for more information as well as full eligibility requirements.
Check out Student Edge
Student Edge is a website offering discounts, competitions, surveys, and forums to secondary and uni students. You can access all the features below by joining online for free, so it’s worth checking out!
Happy saving!
Remember it’s important to do your own research to find out what services and savings programs are right for you. Go ahead and share this (plus any of your own handy savings tips) with a friend!
Next up in our two-part ‘Saving your money as a student’ series, we will cover how you can save money on your energy bill. See you next Friday!
Edited version of a previous Deakin Life blog. Our thanks to the Office of the Dean of Students for supporting the Deakin Money Matters project team to create these resources.