How to survive ‘Uni’
Without (maybe) going broke and being completely unemployable.
This post is for those without access to the bank of mum and dad. If the thought of paying back your student fee’s into your 40's has you sweating, then you've come to the right place. This is not a one size fits all, and for some my suggestions are already futile. But if you fall into that small percentage of people this could apply to, I hope this helps.
You’ll probably fall into two camps. Camp A — ‘this is just common sense’ and camp B (which I suspect will be the majority) ‘this takes away from university experience’. If you’re in former, I’d have to disagree with your assertion, common sense isn't that common. For the rest, fair enough, we have a fundamental disagreement about what to prioritize in this current economy (which I've dubbed the frecession, short for forever recession).
1. Don’t Live Out.
I can hear the groan’s already. But I recommend that if live within a reasonable distance (let’s say an hour + commute), don’t bother. The difference in the debt you accumulate living out is considerable.
2. Work Part Time
Again, rather obvious, but it has to be said. Earning some money on the weekends will help considerably, and ties in too what I am about to say next.
3. Save Like Crazy
If you've been able to follow the first two steps, and then you might have been able to stash away what you can. Avoid temptation, don’t splash your student loan/grants on a new wardrobe (or insert whatever your vice is). Save it. Put it into ISA. The interest rates available right now are crap. But it’s a whole lot better than seeing zero after your 4 years.
4. Do The Work Experience Year/Get Practical Skills.
If you didn't know by now your actual degree isn't worth much to your future employer. They couldn't care less your knowledge of 19th century French poetry. Practical skill’s is what counts (If your degree is vocational then this may not apply).
The work experience year also neatly ties into point 3. Make yourself valuable to your desired industry. It’s basic supply and demand. The wonders of the web has provided an abundance of free information and courses. There’s no barriers to learning something new.
5. Get a 2.1 or above
Self-explanatory. A lot of employers (and fancy grad schemes) won’t even look at with less unfortunately. If you think there’s a chance you won’t make it, a small hack is to apply for jobs super early, that way your grades will be less of a factor. Also look for smaller companies that are less inclined to be over concerned with academic credentials. If you followed the previous steps in terms of work experience you should be okay.
Follow any or all of the above and you’ll be a thoroughly tired and miserable graduate with minimal debt and good job prospects.
P.S I'm not conceited enough to imagine that this could apply to everyone.
