Work and financial tips and resources

These are often advertised around campus, through email or on social media. Examples of events run regularly include:

FUSA events

• Welfare brunches: Free food provided three times a week on a rotating basis at different sites on Flinders campuses.
• FUSA says relax: Free food and other activities (eg hairdressing) provided every Wednesday on a rotating basis across Flinders campuses.
• Visit the FUSA website for further details.

Oasis events

• Flinders Community Market: Free and low-cost food, free BBQ during the semester.
• Wednesday Warmer: Students are welcome to a free lunch cooked on site at OASIS every Wednesday during the semester. 
• Marketplace meals: A cooking demonstration on how to make healthy and low-cost meals every second Thursday of each month.

Flinders University student ID card

Showing your student ID can get you discounts with public transport, movies, sports events, concerts, gym memberships, shopping and more.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

You can get an International Student Identity Card for $30 per year and be eligible for more than 150,000 student discounts in over 130 countries worldwide (including Australia).

Student discount sites

Check out UNiDAYS and Student Edge for great discounts and deals for students.

• Buy at large supermarkets, consider home-brand, check out price per 100 grams/unit. Check online for discounts before you visit.
• Buy fresh fruit and vegetables from markets, buy in season.
• Plan your meals, have a shopping list with you when you go shopping.
• Cook at home rather than ordering takeaway or eating out.
• Use up the food in your pantry and fridge, check out apps or websites that give you ideas.
• Bring your food with you to University (there are microwaves, hot taps and sandwich presses in the Hub and other locations around Flinders to heat food if required).
• Consider growing your own vegetables and herbs, a local community garden may be an option if you are renting or have limited outdoor space.

• Borrow textbooks from the library when possible.
• Consider second-hand textbooks (e.g. through Student VIP or Flinders University textbook buy and sell Facebook page).
• Save on printing costs, by printing on both sides for drafts.
• Remember you can utilise services such as free internet while you are on-campus.

• Walk or cycle to Flinders if possible.
• Use your student ID card to receive a concession fare on public transport, if you catch it regularly consider buying a multi-day pass.
• If you are driving, check out parking on campus to learn about casual and pre-purchased parking options.
• If you are driving, consider car-pooling to save on parking and petrol, plus it makes commuting more pleasant and reduces the number of cars on the road.
• Using apps such as PetrolSpy lets you know current petrol prices at different petrol stations.

• Searching for products online and comparing different retailers (both online and physical stores) can help ensure you are getting the best price.
• Consider buying generic brands, compare price and quality of these brands to more well-known brands.
• Consider buying second hand and refurbished items. Check out websites such as Gumtree, a Facebook market and Facebook 'buy, swap, sell" groups or look in your local op shops.

• Try to limit using your credit card to avoid overspending, and use cash for your day to day purchases instead.
• Don’t shop if you are hungry or upset or suffering from any emotional distress. It may lessen your self-control and make you more inclined to making more purchases.

• Look around for better deals (e.g. electricity, mobile phone). The Energy Made Easy website can help you compare pricing
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Consider adjusting clothing (e.g. putting on extra layers during winter) rather than using a heater/air conditioner. Visit the using and saving energy website for further tips
• If you can't cover the cost of a large bill every few months, ask your retailer to bill you in instalments (“bill smoothing”). Alternatively look into payment option plans available for customers experiencing financial difficulties. Visit the help paying energy bills website for more options.
• Check out if you are eligible for any concessions on your energy costs