Work and financial tips and resources

Balancing work and study can be stressful and expenses may begin to add up. Below are some tips and resources to help you stay on top of your finances while you're at university.

Keeping costs down

Working

Budgeting

Keeping costs down

Make use of the free events at Flinders

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.

Utilise student discounts

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.

Tips to reduce your spending on food

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.

Tips to reduce study-related costs

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.

Tips to reduce cost of transport

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.

Consider different shopping options

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.

Control your shopping

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.

Save on utilities

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

Working

Balance your work and study commitments

Before looking for a job, make sure you dedicate enough time for study related activities such as attending lectures and tutorials, researching, preparing assignments and exams. Take into account the following when considering to undertake part time work:

Domestic students

If you are reducing your study workload, consider whether this will affect your Centrelink or scholarship eligibility.

International students

See working while studying to learn how many hours your visa allows you to work.

Important tips:

If you work casually, base your budget on the lowest amount of money you usually earn.
Plan ahead for times when you will be working less (e.g. during placement).

Where to find jobs

There are many places you can go to start looking for a job, see:

CareerHub job vacancies. Make sure to subscribe to their newsletter to receive the latest opportunities available.
FUSA jobs board.
Seek and CareerOne to search for jobs.

Know your rights and obligations

When you work you have the right to fair working conditions such as:

Earning a minimum wage including super contributions.
Meal breaks and leave entitlements (if applicable).
Compensation if you are injured at work.
Joining a Union associated with your job that undertakes negotiations around working conditions.
These rights may vary between industries and it is important to know your rights specific to your job.

Working also comes with obligations such as:

Paying taxes and lodging a tax return.

It is important to look at your payslips to ensure that:

You are being paid what you are entitled to (e.g. number of hours, wage rate and super contibutions).
Your leave entitlements are up to date (e.g. sick leave, annual leave, etc.).
The tax amount your employer is withholding from your pay during the year (if required) is correct.

Further information about your work rights and obligations and tax help:

Budgeting

Living expenses may begin to add up while you’re at university.

Take control of your finances and work out where your money is going by doing a budget. Budgets may seem daunting but they’re pretty easy to set up, especially when using a budget planner.

Your income should include:

Salary from any part-time or casual jobs you have while studying.
Government allowances such as Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY.
Finance assistance, such as a development grant, hardship grant or scholarship. Further information can be found on the Financial help, loans and grants page.

Some of the costs you'll need to consider:

Tuitions – vary according to your degree and course chosen.
Accommodation - these costs will change according to whether you live at home, in a share house or on campus.
Food – includes the costs of home-made meals, eating out and takeaway food.
Transport - the further away from uni you live, the higher your transport costs will be.
Study-related cost – for textbooks, academic materials (hardback or online), study devices such as computer, laptop or kindle.
Bills - for your phone, Wi-Fi, gas and electricity.
Insurance (international students only) – the costs will depend on the level of cover chosen.
Medical care – are mainly from dental, eye care, and medicines.
Social activities – for entertainments, events engagement, and celebrations.
Personal items – the costs are about groceries, clothing and shoes.