Budgeting
The budgeting and living expenses pages go hand in hand to help you create a realistic budget. You will want to use the information from our uk living expenses page and the information you have gathered on your own to create a useful and attainable budget.
The best place to start with any budget is to get a pen and paper or a spreadsheet and list all the expenses you can think of. Include things you pay for in your home country since you probably want those things when in the UK as well.
Step 1 - List your expenses
Some things to include on your list:
Housing & Bills
- Accommodation
- Water
- Gas
- Electricity
- Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Internet
- Phone
- Credit Cards
Day to Day
- Food
- Clothing
- Dry Cleaning
- Hair cut
- Make-up
- Medication
- Contact Lenses
- Tuition
Transport
- Car
- Fuel
- Car Insurance
- Car Tax
- Car Repairs
- Rideshare Allowance
- Bus Pass
- Rail Card
- Subway Pass
Fun
- Pub
- Cinema
- DVD Rentals
- Eating out
- Gym
- Music Lessons
- Sporting Events
- CD's
- Magazines
You will want to write down what you think you will need either on a weekly or monthly basis for the items above. Of course not all will apply to you but these suggestions are a good starting point. Remember to include your specific requirements that may not be mentioned here. For example, if you are in an art course you will need to factor in art supplies.
Step 2 - Add it all up
Your list might be pretty long by now but don't let that deter you. Add all the values up to come up with a monthly or weekly figure for what you think you will be spending.
Step 3 - Cut back
Now that you have a figure, go back to your expenses and see where you can cut back on things and make notes of how you are going to make those cut backs.
Some money saving tips are:
- Don't buy magazines or newspapers but look at them online. It not only save the environment but also saves money.
- If you want to party, try to go to student places as they are often much cheaper.
- Turn your heating down.
- Budgets do not work if you stick to them rigidly. You will want to have some room to buy extra things every now and then, but keep to your financial plans as best as possible.
Once you have made a budget you may be a little down-hearted by how much it will cost you. Don’t let this deter you. Take a look at our other financing pages page for more helpful information along your way.