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What to pack for a semester abroad

Fri 12 April 2019 - 15:45

By Anna in First year

Hi!

Ever since I got back from Erasmus in Madrid in June I haven't stopped thinking (or talking) about it. From reminiscing with international friends to working as an Erasmus ambassador at my university, I haven't been able to stop! Recently my friend and I went to Germany for the weekend to visit our friend from Munich, and in a few weeks another friend from Valencia will be coming to see what Sheffield has to offer (hint: hills and sub-zero temperatures).

 
But all this Erasmus-talk has got me remembering how much of an amazing experience it was and how I long to go back and chill in that Spanish sun again, drinking sangria with friends or wandering around discovering new things wherever you go. So, for all you semester abroad goers heading off in January, here is a list of all...

Four homemade Christmas present ideas

Thu 10 January 2019 - 14:46

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Whether you’ve already blown your budget or want to eschew consumerism this festive season, you can still spread holiday cheer with a sweet and simple handmade gift.
 
For the plant lover
For even the most botanically inept, terrariums are easy to make, and look fabulous under the Christmas tree. To start, you’ll need a clear glass container – such as a goldfish bowl, pickle jar, a vase with a broad base,...

Five ways to save money while socialising this Christmas

Thu 10 January 2019 - 14:46

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Don't let your bank balance stop you enjoying the festivities!

Whether you’ve already lost your cash to the sales, or you’re stashing away savings, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get into the festive spirit. Here are five ways to have a cheap (and charitable) Christmas.

1. Deck the halls

If you’re the type of person who unashamedly owns Mariah Carey’s 'Greatest hits' and knows all the words to The First Noel, why not put your rare talent to good use and lead your friends in a bout of Christmas carolling? You could offer to sing at your local community centre or town square (and raise money in the process), or invite friends around for a singalong at home.

The great thing about Christmas songs is that you don’t need Mariah’s range to make them sound half-decent, and if you’re really, really terrible, people may even pay you to be quiet. Your chosen charity will thank you, even if no one else will.

...

Christmas Dinner on a budget

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:59

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Christmas dinner doesn't need to cost the earth – here's how to do it on a budget.
 
Christmas dinner from your childhood might be a little beyond your means, but as long as you have access to a kitchen, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make your own budget version. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to show off your cooking skills to your friends.
 
First off, forget the turkey. They’re generally the most expensive part of any Christmas dinner, but probably not all that helpful for you. They’re massive and overpriced around Christmas. Supermarkets sell turkeys around £4.50 per kilo. Compare that to chicken – around £2.20 per kilo – and you can see...

How to make the most of your visit to an open day in four simple steps

Mon 7 October 2019 - 16:04

By UCAS in UCAS advice

It’s always a good idea to get a taste of a university before you apply there or accept an offer of a place from them. The best way to do this is by attending an open day! Not sure how to find them or why you should attend? This blog has it covered…

Why should you attend an open day?
They give you the chance to get a first-hand impression of the uni that you can’t get online – so important if you end up spending three years living there. You’ll get to see the university in action, find out more about the course, ask the tutors questions as well as the opportunity to meet their students who will know the uni inside out.
 
Search for open days and make a shortlist
There are over 370 unis and colleges in the UK, so you won’t be able to attend them all! Make a shortlist of the unis and courses you’re interested in by looking at our search tool.
...

Tips for international students studying in London

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:31

In International students

Rachel Yohe is an American student studying Marketing Communications and Spanish in New York. As part of her degree, she did an internship in London. Here are Rachel’s top tips for international students coming to the capital.   

“Start budgeting ahead of time. Sort out what you’re willing to spend on rent, groceries, and living expenses before you get to London. If you have friends coming with you, decide on roommates and work with their budgets as well.
 
If you want to do a work placement or internship, you may also have to spend a bit of money for a work visa. London is an expensive place to live, so check out what areas are cheapest and closest to your classes....

The delights of budgeting

Thu 10 January 2019 - 14:33

By Enia in First year

When I received my student loan in October, I felt on top of the world. All that lovely money, just sitting in my bank account, waiting to be spent! Imagine the shoes, dresses, books, music, biscuits, I could buy! I was rich and it was delightful!
 
Fast forward a month, and my illusions of endless spending sprees are sadly well and truly shattered. The first time I went food shopping I was astounded by how quickly even the most basic items started to add up to a fair amount of money. And with money for going out, endless books, memberships to societies, the (occasional) hot-dog on...

Budgeting on a student loan

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:30

By Jack in Mature students

It’s always a nice sight to see your bank account full of money. Money that you’ve never had before, and more than three digits long. Student loans are designed to help you get through your year at university. With help from your student loan, you’re expected to be able to pay your accommodation rent, your bills, and buy your every day essentials.
 
Truth be told, however, that sometimes a student loan may not be enough, and so a part time job comes in handy. Saying this, a student loan can last you as long as you budget properly.
 
Going out is fun, but not all the time.
A part of university life is being able to take part in freshers. Loads of places host student nights and...

Getting ready for Christmas on a student budget

Thu 21 March 2019 - 16:25

By money.co.uk in Money

Christmas can feel quite stressful as a student and when you’re a bit strapped for cash it’s easy to panic and get into expensive debt. Here are some top tips on how to spend less this Christmas.
 
Create a budget
Look at your bank balance then decide how much you can realistically spend on Christmas without breaking the bank. Ideally, you’ll have saved a little bit over the previous months, but if this hasn’t happened remember to be realistic. It’s the thought that counts not the cost of the present and people will understand you’re having to cut back this year – students aren’t known for having loads of money.
 
Make a list
Write down who you need to buy for...

Of Muses and Memes

Thu 10 January 2019 - 14:32

By Sarah in Mature students

I have submitted my first assignment. My desk is littered with a combination of notes, books and snack debris and it’s possible that new life forms have evolved under there. It feels as if I have been sitting here forever, waiting for my Muse to arrive (preferably Calliope the goddess of epic poetry given that it’s the subject of my essay). But it is done, oh yes.
 
For many students, this is a watershed moment. We are told from the first day that writing for an undergraduate course is different to writing for ‘A’ Levels. As a (very...

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