So, how do you work out what to spend on what?

Push has roughed out the range of possibilities but, ultimately, your finances are your own. Not only will your income and costs be unique but, much as Push would love to play personal exchequer to each and every student in the land (yeah, right), it’s important to work out your budget for yourself and know it inside out.

THE RANGE OF INCOMES
Your loan is a big chunk of what comes in, but how big it ‘and indeed your whole income ‘is depends largely on your parents .

That is, what they’re supposed to give you, whether they give it to you or whether they give you more.

Beyond that, you need to make the call about what you want out of student life. If you simply want to study and aren't too bothered about a social life, you'll probably scrape by on your overdraft and student loan (and any grants and bursaries, if you’re one of the lucky ones), without having to supplement your income with work. But, let’s face it, after a fortnight of that your good intentions will probably pop down to the student bar and take you with them.

Those students with a fiercely independent streak (or a severe shortfall in their budget) will probably seek term-time work as soon as they start their course. It has to be said that earning your own money gives you a greater sense of financial freedom and takes the strain off of your parents, while giving you that all-important work experience.

However, it’s even more important to ensure that you never compromise on your studies. Maximise your disposable income as much as possible ‘but if you feel you are taking on too much work, you will have to look at minimising outgoings instead.

This is what budgeting is all about - if you haven’t got the funds coming in, you should aim to cut down on what you’re spending.

But let’s take a look at the range of annual incomes. To hit the highest income outlined in the table below involves qualifying for the full grant and doing paid work for up to 15 hours a week during term-time.

Also bear in mind that there are so many ifs and buts involved in these figures that they’d read like a stammer if Push bothered with them all. Have a scoot round the rest of the finance section if you're still stuck.

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