Studying for your degree or diploma is an exciting time but can also be a challenge budgeting as a student. It’s important to understand your incoming finances and outgoing expenses before you begin your course to help you feel prepared for your time at West Dean College. To help, we have created this student budgeting guide!  

As a starting point look at what your income will be, it could be savings, a part-time job or a loan. You might want to find out if you’re eligible to apply for a Student Loan (tuition fees and/or maintenance loans) from the Student Loans Company. Also find out if you’re eligible for one of our scholarships or bursaries. Find out more on our student funding page. If you’re planning to work alongside your studies at West Dean College. Previous students have worked within the College, at local pubs, or further afield in local towns. For students at our London campus, there are plenty of jobs locally in hospitality, shops and internship opportunities.  

Then work out your costs so that you can use the formula budget = income – costs to work out your spending money. Outgoings to consider: 

• Food + Drink 
• Accommodation + bills (gas, electricity, water, phone, wifi, TV licence, music or entertainment subscriptions, gym membership) 
• Travel costs – car, bus, train etc 
• Fun + entertainment 

1. Shop Smart 

• Split delivery fees or avoid minimum order spends by ordering your online grocery shop with other students in your accommodation. 
• Buy items that you all use in bulk and split the cost. 
• Car-share with friends for supermarket trips. 
• Plan your meals and make them go further: for example, cook more than you will need for your dinner to have for your lunch/dinner the following day. 

Sussex Campus: While supermarkets are the most budget-friendly option, West Dean Stores is a short walk away from the village; stocking a small range of groceries and essentials, including local produce. 

2. Travel 

As a student there are plenty of student cards you can sign up for to save money when getting to and from campus. More information to find out how to get to each of our locations here.  

• Student Railcard: Valid for anyone aged 16-25 years old and mature students in full-time study. More information can be found here. 
• Student bus pass:  
• Sussex campus: Weekly, monthly and annual passes available. More information can be found on the Stagecoach website here.  
• London campus: If you're 18 or over, a student and living in a London borough, you can get a 30% discounted travel with an Oyster photocard. More information can be found here.

3. Bring useful extras with you 

For residential students at our Sussex campus, bedrooms are furnished, bed linen and towels are supplied, and utilities and Wi-Fi are provided. If you are self-catered, the kitchen in your accommodation will be stocked with cooking equipment, cutlery, crockery and basic cleaning supplies, such as washing up liquid, sponges and refuse bags; however, you may wish to bring additional items to make your space feel more like home. Don’t forget to bring your home comforts; blankets, pictures, plants etc to personalise your bedroom. 

4. Make the most of your student discount 

So many companies offer student discounts which can help save money. Sign up to Student Beans, UniDays and supermarket reward schemes for money off clothes, food and more. Student software licenses are also available on CAD, Sketchup and Adobe. 

5. Free budgeting advice and apps 

Money Saving Expert has a comprehensive student budgeting planner.

Last updated 09/10/2024