1. Get Free Money for Studying

• Scholarships aren’t just for straight-A students. Many are based on location, ethnicity, community involvement or your chosen major.
• Check the updated Scholarship Guide, especially in your final year of secondary school.
• Already at uni? Look at your department’s website and email the careers office. Opportunities often go unadvertised.

 

2. Pick the Best Student Bank Account

• Some offer 0% overdrafts, but always read the fine print for fees.
• Apply for the largest interest-free overdraft. It’s a good safety net, but never exceed your limit.
• Ask your bank to block unarranged overdrafts in writing.

 

3. Control the Urge to Splurge

• Resist blowing your allowance or loan on impulse spending.
• Stick to your budget. Small, steady habits win.

 

4. Ask About Student Discounts

• Many local stores and eateries offer 10%+ off with a student ID. If in doubt, ask.
• Check for end-of-day food deals — often 50% off.

 

5. Don’t Pay Full Price for Textbooks

• Buy or borrow secondhand books. Check TradeMe, uni noticeboards, or Facebook groups.
• Some sellers throw in study notes, too.

 

6. Talk to Your Parents

• A weekly contribution of $25–$50 can make a big difference.
• If they can’t help, you may be eligible for a student allowance.

 

7. Get Office 365 and Cloud Storage for Free

• Students with a .ac.nz email can get free Microsoft Office and 1TB of storage.
• Prefer open-source? Download OpenOffice.
• Dropbox offers 2GB free, and sometimes promotions give more.

 

8. Join Uni Clubs

• Meet new people and enjoy discounted activities.
• Clubs range from political to sporting to religious — there’s something for everyone.

 

9. Know Your Wants vs Needs

• Always ask yourself if a purchase is essential.
• Delay gratification and avoid buyer’s remorse.

 

10. Understand Renting Options

• Agents: Professional service, reliable maintenance — but might cost more.
• Private landlords: Often cheaper, but can be unreliable.
• Have ID, bank statements, enrolment docs, and references ready.

 

11. Know Your Rental Rights

• Use Tenancy Services to understand your rights.
• Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) if you face landlord issues.

 

12. Find the Cheapest Power Provider

• Compare plans using Consumer Power Switch.
• Look for sign-up bonuses and wholesale pricing.

 

13. Avoid Lending Money to Mates

• Lending to friends can lead to tension. Say no politely but firmly.

 

14. Set Up a Flat Account

• Use a joint account for bills and food costs. It keeps things fair and transparent.

 

15. Build a Budget — and Stick to It

• Know your fixed costs. Use StudyLink’s cost examples.
• Plan ahead to avoid emergencies.

 

16. Consider Furnished Flats

• Slightly pricier weekly, but may save on moving and furniture costs.

 

17. Think About Contents Insurance

• If your landlord has insurance, you’re partially covered.
• Insure your tech and valuables properly — it adds up fast.

 

18. Protect Your Devices

• Don’t leave laptops or phones unattended — theft is common.
• Insurance won’t cover items left unguarded.

 

19. Sell Old Gadgets

• List working phones/tablets on TradeMe. Reset them before sale.

 

20. Understand the Nature of Student Debt

• Student loans are interest-free and repayable after you earn.
• Avoid personal loans, payday lenders, or car finance.

 

21. Use Free WiFi

• Campus, halls, and many cafes offer free internet. Avoid using mobile data unnecessarily.

 

22. Credit Cards: Tread Carefully

• Without stable income, don’t apply.
• $2,000 debt on minimum payments can take 3+ years to repay with 20% interest.

 

23. Book Flights Early

• Term dates are published early. Lock in your travel to save hundreds.

 

24. Ask for Help When Needed

• Talk to friends, tutors, or family.
• Use student support services or CAB — don’t struggle in silence.

 

25. Avoid Payday Lenders

• High fees and interest make small loans spiral fast.
• Seek free budgeting help instead — it’s always the better option.