Students are having to carefully manage their finances during term time
WHEN YOU talk cost of university, the figure can enter tens of thousands – and as many first years will learn this year, the financial element of moving outside of Fermanagh becomes increasingly important.
Two local students, one studying in Jordanstown, the other in Glasgow, spoke to the Fermanagh Herald this week about how they have managed their costs in their first year – and what they’re expecting this year.
“It was hard to get used to managing the loan at first and not spending it all in one go when that amount of money went into your account,” explained one student, studying in Jordanstown, who was given a maintenance grant of £3,475.
“I paid nearly £400 a month for accommodation, but this year our rent is £220 a month and then electricity and heating on top of that,” she said.
And for this student, a lot of help was offered from her parents.
“Apart from eating out or getting take aways, I didn’t spend that much on food because mum would send me up with food at the weekends so I was well and truly sorted out there.
“Them giving me the food every week helped a lot and they would give me money every week before I went back and more for diesel if it was my turn to drive up.”
And this year, the student is expecting things to be easier.
“I think it will be easier as I’m living in the city [Belfast] so I won’t spend as much money travelling in and out to Jordanstown. The rent for our house is much cheaper than halls even though all other costs aren’t included. I also have an overdraft this year, good or bad thing I’m not sure!”
A second student, who studies in Glasgow, had a maintenance grant of £3,475 and a maintenance loan of £2,953.
“I was staying in catered halls which were quite expensive, the rent was £711 per month meaning my loan and grant just about covered my accommodation for the year, not leaving me anything to live on really,” he explained.
“However because they were catered halls, breakfast and dinner was provided leaving me to only buy/make lunch so my food bill last year was quite low around £20 every two weeks or so but even so I still found due to a budget I had to stick to the Tesco value items.”
The student, about to return to university, said that because of the intensity of the course he couldn’t get a part-time job, however, he had saved up money prior to starting his course.
“However, there is little of that money left now so I think this year is going to be tougher,” he continued.
“Also because the course requires us to do 12 weeks of work placements during our holidays this made it impossible for me to get a part-time job this summer to earn some money for the coming year.
“This year I have moved into a flat so the rent is considerably cheaper (£275 per month) and I have only done out a rough budget so far but after rent and bills I expect to have about £30 per week to live on this year which is manageable, so as long as no big costs pop up and I stick to the value items in the shops I think I’ll do OK.”
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