What I Wish I Knew About Student Finance Before Starting Uni

When I started university, managing money felt overwhelming. Between rent, food, travel, and just trying to have a social life, I quickly realised that understanding student finance wasn’t optional—it was essential. Now that I’m in my final year, there are a few things I wish I’d known from the start. Here’s what helped me and might help you too. 

One of the best things I did was break down my total budget into weekly limits. Once I had rent and essentials like groceries and travel accounted for, I figured out how much I could realistically spend week by week. Whether you're living off savings, part-time work, or a loan, this method really helps you avoid running out of money before the term ends. A little planning early on makes a big difference later. 

My Railcard Paid for Itself in a Month 

One of my best early purchases was a 16–25 Railcard. It cost £30 for the year, but I saved that much in travel costs within the first month. I used it regularly to visit home and explore places near campus, and the 1/3 discount made travel way more affordable. 

If you get a student bank account with some providers (like Santander), they offer a free 4-year Railcard as part of the deal—which I only found out after buying mine. So do a bit of research before signing up for anything! 

Working as a Student Ambassador Helped More Than Just My Bank Balance 

Getting a part-time job as a Student Ambassador at the University of Hertfordshire was a game-changer for me—not just financially, but personally. The work is flexible around my studies, the pay is decent, and it’s a role that actually adds value to my CV. 

More importantly, it gave me purpose beyond lectures. I got to meet loads of new people, improve my confidence, and even support prospective students who were just as unsure as I was when I started. 

Budgeting Tools Make a Difference 

I use Monzo to manage my finances—it lets me separate money into “pots” for rent, groceries, savings, and treats. If you’re more into visuals, apps like Emma or Cleo can help track your spending habits in fun, engaging ways. Even Google Sheets works if you’re on a no-frills setup. 

Doing a weekly money check-in helps me avoid surprises. I also set up a few “no-spend” days during the week to slow down impulse buys. 

Student Discounts Are Everywhere 

NEVER pay full price until you’ve checked for a student discount. Apps like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and Totum offer deals on everything—from clothes and food to tech and train tickets. Even Amazon Prime has a student version for half the price. 

I saved hundreds just by checking these apps before I bought anything. It becomes second nature after a while. 

Overdrafts and Credit Cards Are Not Free Money 

One thing I quickly learned: just because the bank offers you an overdraft or a credit card, doesn’t mean you should treat it like free cash. It’s really tempting to dip into your overdraft “just this once” or use a credit card to buy something you can’t quite afford yet—but those decisions catch up with you. 

Some student bank accounts offer an interest-free overdraft, which can be useful in emergencies—but it’s still money you have to pay back. It’s not extra income, it’s borrowed money. The same goes for credit cards. If you don’t pay it off in full each month, the interest can stack up fast. 

My advice? Only use overdrafts or credit cards if you have a clear plan to repay what you spend. And never rely on them for day-to-day living costs. They’re tools—not lifelines. 

Final Thoughts 

Student finance doesn’t come with a manual, but you can learn to manage it in a way that works for you. You’ll make mistakes—we all do—but every small win adds up. 

My advice? Get the Railcard. Budget (even if loosely). Look for work that fits around your schedule. And talk about money with your friends—you’ll be surprised how many are figuring it out just like you. 

You’ve got this. 

Hi, I’m Nuzhat Tasnim Rifa, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about technology, learning new skills, and helping others navigate university life. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken a part-time role at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. I enjoy balancing academics with real-life experiences and love sharing what I’ve learned to support others on a similar path. This blog site is a space where I share tips, reflections, and insights to help students make the most of their time at university and beyond.