What does it cost to be a UCC student?

Starting college, and indeed continuing your college career, is an exciting time in your life. Leaving home, meeting new people, experiencing new things and furthering your education are key milestones in your life. Your student experience can be as exciting and adventurous as you want it to be. It means more freedom and more responsibility in terms of your studies, and also in terms of managing your money. College life can be expensive if you allow it to be, but with good sensible budgeting practices, you can help keep your expenses under control.

Please click the link here to get a quick insight into what it costs to be a UCC student

Making use of the Student Budgetary Advice Service

Click on the link here to find out the top tips and tools and some simple ideas to help you with your student finances. This includes making a note of all your income and expenditure in one place. It's always a good idea to write down all of your sources of money and all the things you expect to have to pay for too. Don't forget to include costs like transport alongside rent, food and books.
It’s also a good idea to divide up your income . For example, set aside the money to cover your rent or fees into a separate account that you do not touch on a day-to-day basis. By keeping your spending money separate in an accessible account like a current account, you know how much you have left to spend for the rest of the term.
Look out for deals and student discounts, such as special offer haircuts and take advantage of “money off” vouchers, BOGOF offers (buy one get one free) and student deals in restaurants, bars or at the cinema. Use your UCC student ID card card to get student discounts at your favourite retailers.
Learn to cook!! Use local markets to buy vegetables and fruit and buy own-brand labels in the big stores. Get yourself a decent cookbook or follow a favourite chef on social media. Stock up on staples (like rice and pasta) and you can eat well for €30 a week. Even the Main Restaurant on campus will charge a couple of euro for something you can make yourself in a matter of minutes. Make your own sandwiches, refill your water (at one of the many UCC water fountains) or juice bottle, nick your granny's flask and make your own tea / coffee for lunch!
Track what you spend. Tracking where you spend your money will also reveal where you can make savings, such as cutting down on takeaway coffees or making your own sandwiches for lunch.

Here are some handy tips to help you manage your money!

make a shopping list, plan your weekly meals, refill and reuse, think of the big picture, get everyone involved, needs versus wants, go bargain hunting, ask for help.