Managing your expenses and learning to save
Budgeting helps you feel in control of your money. We've provided some handy tips on how to manage your money and budget whilst studying.
Cost of living
Your cost of living and studying will depend on your lifestyle preferences. You should consider costs associated with:
- housing
- telephone
- internet
- health cover
- food and groceries
- car
- public transport
- entertainment
- course-related expenses
- other expenses (postal charges, haircuts etc)
For more information about the above categories, visit our living costs page.
Budgeting tips
As a student, it is very important to keep an eye on your expenses and manage your budget appropriately so you can afford your basic academic and personal needs both now and in the future.
You can start budgeting by:
- Setting money goals to help you decide where you want your money to go.
- Getting a clear picture of your regular expenses, including when they're due, and your spending habits.
- Seeing where you can save, and start saving — no amount is too small.
- Trying to set aside money for emergencies.
MoneySmart
For more information on how to budget, visit MoneySmart.
The 'Student life and money' section offers great advice on how to:
- manage on a student income
- find ways to save money
- move out of home and find a rental property
- understand and deal with the costs of having a car
- comprehend your pay, tax and super
- use 'buy now, pay later' when shopping online
- manage and pay off your HELP loan (domestic students)
Macquarie resources
Macquarie University offers you support with managing your money through the following resources:
- Macquarie has a series of Budgeting 101 Workshops available for you to view through Echo 360.
- The MQ Wellbeing App (available on Google Play and App Store) has a range of tools to help you manage your money.
View the Money Cheat Sheet [PDF 45.5KB] for quick reference on where to find help.
Other resources
- Visit the Australian Taxation Office for assistance with tax-related payments to eligible taxpayers.
- The National Debt Helpline Financial Counselling can help you assess your current financial situation and provide advice on how to manage debt.
- As a current student, you may also qualify for concessions on NSW public transport.
Student blogs
Read our student blogs to learn more about strategies other students employ to save money while studying.
