Student budget : How can you better manage your expenses?
When you're a student, managing your budget can quickly become a headache. Between rent, shopping, transport and outings, expenses add up quickly. However, with a few good practices, it's entirely possible to optimize your finances and avoid difficult month-ends.
Draw up a monthly budget to help you plan ahead
We see you not doing it...The first step to managing your student budget, is to have a clear vision of your incomeand your expenses. To do this, take the time to list all your income (scholarship, student job, housing assistance, family support) and all your fixed expenses (rent, utilities, subscriptions, food, transport).
Our tips for drawing up your budget:
- Use a financial management applicationlike Bankin' or Tricount to track your spending in real time.
- Save a share of your budget for the unexpected to avoid unpleasant surprises!
- Set yourself a weekly limit for variable expenses like outings, hobbies or non-essential purchases (and really try not to exceed it).
With a well-defined budget, you'll be able to better allocate your money and avoid overdrafts at the end of the month.
Find a home that suits your budget
You see where we're going with this...Rent is often the biggest expense for a student. So finding accommodation that fits your student budget is super important to make sure you don't run out of money.
Our tips for economical student accommodation:
- Opt for one of our student residencesStudently, we offer studios and student apartments conveniently located near universities, with services included to avoid extra expenses (laundry, gym, lounge area to play video games).
- Compare the assistance available, such as the APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement), which can reduce part of your rent.
By optimizing your choice of housing, you can save hundreds of euros per year and lighten your student budget.
Reduce your food costs
But above all, without depriving yourself!The foodis another major expense item, but there areseveral tips for eating well while keeping your budget.
Our tips for saving money on food:
- Shop smartby favoring discount supermarkets, private labels and bulk purchases.
- Write down your little shopping list (based on the dishes you plan to make) before you go to your supermarket and buy only what you've written down!
- Prepare your meals in advance rather than buying ready-made meals or eating out, which are often more expensive.
- Use applications anti-gaspilike Too Good To Go or Phenix to buy discounted products.
By planning your meals and buying smart, you can reduce your food expenses without sacrificing the quality of your food.
Take advantage of student grants and special offers
Always carry your student cardBeing a studententitles you to numerous grants and discounts, never miss the chance to pay less!
Some good tips to cut your expenses:
- Think about applying for housing assistance from the CAF. It's often a real help in paying your rent without breaking the bank.
- Whether for public transport, cinemas, museums or even certain restaurants and stores, your student card is your best ally.Keep it with you at all times!
- There are even specialized sites that list price codes reserved exclusively for students. Enough to renew your wardrobe or buy your gear without blowing your budget.
By looking for good deals and taking advantage of available aid, you can really reduce your expenses and better manage your student budget.
A well-managed student budget means greater peace of mind
We know that managing your student budgetrequires organization, discipline and rigor, but we believe in you! And by applying these tips, you'll be able to anticipate your expenses and avoid financial stress. It's important that you make the most of your university life without struggling financially.
We know that the budget is a major concern for students. That's why our student residencesoffer student apartments and students services included to make your daily life easier.
By adopting good habits now, you'll gain peace of mind and be able to make the most of your student experience!