How to spend your bursary

A quick guide to the best ways to splash the new cash


It’s every student’s favourite time of year – bursary time. We all know it can be a little overwhelming having a shit load of free money hit your bank account, but fear not- we’re here to help.

Here’s some of the best ways to spend and save your money all at once.

Book a holiday

Treat yourself to a tan/sunburn

A few weeks into semester two, the work is stacking up and it would be so easy to lose hope. But one way to keep you going would be knowing you’ve got a holiday at the end of it… Whether it’s Kavos with the boys or Paris with your significant other, there is nothing better than letting your hair down and forgetting your problems, even if it’s only for a long weekend. Shop around and you’ll find some nice cheap deals – leaving you with some all important spending money.

Shopping spree

Clothes?

Or beans?

With the student money coming in why not treat yourself on a new outfit (or six)? In Newcastle you’re spoilt for choice for shops with varying price ranges. It’s not every day us students have money to spare so if it means sacrificing a meal or two and living of baked beans for a month so you can have a fashion splurge – I say go for it, beans aren’t that bad…

Be boring and save

Vodka bottles make great jars

If you can’t face parting with your new, hard earned cash, putting it in a savings account is the best idea – getting interest means your money will make you even more money (even if it’s only 12p a year).

Go home and chill out

Just watching the horses graze whilst Mummy and Daddy wait on me hand on foot

Whether we admit it or not we all love going home. Having a proper cooked dinner, a hot bath, clean (and ironed) clothes and the use of central heating cannot compare to life at uni. These journeys home shouldn’t just be saved for the Christmas and summer break – with this extra money you can go home for a long weekend, the Easter break or even just a night out with your old friends/to go get your washing done. Also, by buying a 16-25 rail card for thirty quid you’ll save a 1/3 on every journey, so there’ll be plenty left over to spend when you’re home.

Night on the Toon

If before the bursary the prospect of a night out made your bank balance cry and your conscience scream no- then the BEST and ONLY way to celebrate the cash coming in is to hit the toon. With all the trebles, cocktails and shots on offer you can definitely forget any money worries and even forget your name.

Splash out on stationary

Fancy

The cost of books and equipment may make your eyes water and your heart break, but I have to admit whether you like it or not, uni supplies are a must. However, if you are more interested in taking the above advice (and let’s be honest nights out and holidays are much more appealing) then you may not have enough for ALL the books – but a basic pen and notepad is a good place to start.