Aim Higher - Student Money Guide

	Buy your textbooks second hand! There's no rush to buy your textbooks, so don't splash out on something you'll only need for a year. Put notices up in your department and you'll find that last year's students are more than willing to sell their books to you for a fraction of the full price.
	Rent rooms early! Don't hang around once you've found housemates you get along with (ie. they don't practice witchcraft every night). The best house and flat bargains are usually snapped up early - although remember not to be pressured into signing for a dodgy flat by a pushy estate agent!
	Choose the right bank! Many high street banks offer pretty puny interest rates. Shop around for the right bank and you could save a tidy sum each year.
	Buy a cheap bike! If you find yourself clocking up the pounds on public transport then why not buy a cheap bike? You'll soon be (i) making your money back and (ii) keeping fit without forking out for a hefty gym membership.

	Make your loan last longer! Be sure to open a high interest savings account when you get your Student Loan. It won't be as easy to dip into when you're feeling careless, and you'll make much more money from the interest too.
	Visit the market! If there's a good fruit and veg market nearby then make a visit: you'll earn a decent saving and be buying much better food. Which means it won't just be your wallet that's looking healthier!
	Model behaviour! Some hair salons offer free haircuts for those prepared to let their trainees have a bash. It's normally a pretty safe bet - just don't blame us when you come back looking like you've had electro-shock therapy!
	Shop online! The internet has plenty of ace bargains if you're a shrewd shopper. www.specsdirectuk.com, for example, sell glasses and contact lenses for a fraction of high street prices.
	Always ask about student discounts! You'll be amazed at how many places provide ace student discounts - from theme parks to hairdressers to record shops. Click here for some of the best!