Some of the most important things in life are not taught to you. So we thought we would take it upon ourselves and tell you some of the basic tax facts which you need to know! Not everyone pays tax Everyone in the UK is liable to pay tax, however not everyone is allegeable to pay it, take a look at these two points below. Earn enough Only people who earn over the personal allowance will need to pay tax. If you do not earn enough, then you will not need to pay tax. At the start of every tax year the personal allowance is updated, with the tax year running from April to April. Taxable and non-taxable income There are two types of income; taxable income and non-taxable income. See what the difference is below. Taxable income This includes income such as wages, interest, job perks etc. Which means you will have to pay tax on this type of income. Non-taxable income This is income such as your student finance package, including most bursaries, grants and scholarships. It also includes child tax credit and disability living allowance etc. Meaning this doesn’t count towards your […]
It is starting to become the dreaded exam season! So make sure you are well prepared for it. We know you have been doing exams for years now, but in case you have forgotten, or need a reminder, we have created a list of revision tips to help you get the best results you possibly can do. Start early You’ve probably told yourself throughout the whole year – start your revision early. But trust us, it helps! By starting early, it gives you more time to prepare and less time to stress. Take breaks Studying for one long break isn’t productive and ultimately is more stressful. It is recommended for you to study in one break for around 60-90 minutes. Once you have studied one session, take a break for around half an hour. This makes the revision seem less like a chore and it will help you remember your notes better. Giving your brain a rest etc. Work in the environment for you Whether it is the library or in your room, make sure you are revising in an environment which works for you. Whether you work best alone or with people, make sure you do […]
If you are heading to university or thinking about whether to go, you’ll have probably heard so many things about it, that you just don’t know which to believe! So we are here to put some things straight and help you understand which are myths and which are true! #1 Buy everything before you get there We urge you not to do this! Firstly, don’t even try, you won’t be able to fit it all in the car! You’ll be living with other people, see what they bring. And whatever you are missing, buy it there, you can then split the cost and save yourself money while you at it! And remember, you’ll likely be heading home at some point, so anything that you are missing, you can always grab it then. Just remember, there are only a few essential items you need to survive, so help yourself out and only bring the essentials. #2 “First year at University doesn’t count” Many people will tell you that classic line “First year doesn’t count”, “don’t bother in first year”. While this is partly true, you do still need to do some work in first year, you’ll need to do enough […]
Easter is the time of the year where most students are at the top of their ‘stress level’. With focus on getting dissertations handed in, essays to be completed and revision to be started for those all-important exams! Whatever you are doing, Easter can be a difficult and stressful time, therefore, preparation is key! Which is why we have created a list for you to help you prepare when you break up for Easter. Take a look at our top tips to help. #1 Start early Start early when packing, this will help with your stress level when it comes closer to the leaving date. You will be able to do packing in-between work and when you want a break, helping you out with stress and taking your mind off things. #2 Book your travel Whether you are driving, getting a lift, getting the train or flying back home. Organisation is key, and by booking your travel it could save you a huge amount of money. By booking it in advance, it can help with your bank balance. #3 Make a list This may sound old-school, however it can organise you and help you understand what is important. […]
Whether you live in Newcastle or elsewhere, Newcastle attracts thousands of students each year. And we are here to look at just why Newcastle is so good for students, and why people come from all over the country (and world) to study here. Universities Newcastle has two amazing universities on offer, both Newcastle University and Northumbria University have huge success rates and awards to their names. Newcastle as a city got named 4th best overall city to study in, due to many factors such as their nightlife, most affordable city, desirability for international students and much more. Good job prospects Many multinational companies are moving North due to the cheaper living standard. Which is beneficial for students wanting to stay up here, as great job prospects will constantly be coming into the city. Affordable accommodation Newcastle have plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. No matter what your budget, Newcastle will have an area and property suited to your needs. The areas we cover are all walking distances to the city centre and universities. Newcastle has hugely affordable properties, ranging from flats/apartments, terrace/detached houses and house shares. So we will always have you covered. Nightlife […]
Living on your own is a big step for anyone, especially when you are still young. So, ensuring you are prepared is key. And as it is probably your first time you’ve lived away, we have created a guide to help you get prepared. Learn how to cook Most students when they first leave home will probably not know how to cook, therefore it is essential to know a few basic recipes. If you don’t, you’ll be forced to rely on ready meals and takeaways. Although this may sound good, it won’t be good for your bank balance…trust us! A basic tomato sauce, perfect for pasta and chicken, is essential. It is quick and easy, ideal for the student living! Know your rights as a tenant When dealing with a private landlord, they can be guileful about your rights, and could try to miscommunicate you over your rights. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why we believe it is better to go with a letting agency; like ourselves as we know the laws inside out and will ensure all practices are kept. However, it may be beneficial to read up a little on your rights as a […]
Does the thought of cooking fill you with fear? Would you much prefer to order your food, go out or cook oven food every day? Well unfortunately most bank balances won’t fulfil that luxury lifestyle! So by getting the hang of some basic dishes, it will not only save you money, but it will also be a healthier option, making you feel better in yourself. Once you have mastered a few dishes, you can then start to show off in front of your friends and family. This however doesn’t happen overnight, so we have created a list for you, to help with the essentials you’ll need. #1 Seasoning Make sure you have a good selection of seasonings in your cupboards. They can add that little extra kick to your meal, turning what would have been a bland meal to a great tasty dish. With this in mind, you will be able to buy cheaper/own brands as the seasoning will enhance any flavours which may be missing. #2 Stock up on basics Every cupboard needs its basics, and when you are student this is no exception. Pasta will probably become your main component to meals, and by the end […]
Pre drinks have become an essential part of any night out. And as such many have got it down to a fine art. However, if you haven’t, then don’t worry. We have the ultimate guide to help you host and be a part of the perfect pre drinks. What’s so good about it? Save money Pre drinks help you save a lot of money, and for any student this is a big bonus. Instead of those drinks in a bar beforehand – which will be expensive, why not save yourself a ton of money by drinking in the comfort of your own home. Socialising with friends It is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends. Let’s face it, in the club you can’t socialise with friends as most of the time you can’t hear each other and you are probably too drunk at this time to remember it in the morning! DJ at home We all have that one friend that loves to DJ, and so this is the perfect opportunity to do so. You can listen to your favourite songs back to back without having to pester the DJ when you are in the club. […]
For many students, getting fit may be on the bottom of your list, below the drinking, eating out, takeaways and partying! However, it is essential to keep on top of your fitness and it may even be one of your new year’s resolutions? If so, we have a guide to help you keep fit while still being a student. So take a look below. #1 Get in the right mind-set This may be over looked, however, if you are not fully into making a positive change in your life, then it will just slip away and you will be in the same routine as you were before. So it is important you want to do it for yourself. Therefore, it will only be you who gets you out of bed that little earlier or pushing yourself that little harder. #2 Utilise the Universities facilities Usually your university gym offers a great discounted price for students. It will usually be close to where you live, also you could go before or after class without having to leave the campus. Making it that little easier to motivate yourself when you don’t fancy going as you are already there! #3 […]
January is always a difficult time for everyone, and especially for students! But don’t worry, if you are feeling the struggle, we have some top tips for you to help save money as a student! We have sieved through all the deals and tips to bring you what we think are the best hints and tips. Save on food When shopping for food, you don’t need to shop for the well-known brands, why not go for the supermarkets own brand. For most food products the taste is similar and the price is a lot cheaper. Another way to save money on food, is to cook with friends. This can help with the quantity control and pricing. As usually cooking with more people can cut the costs down dramatically and it can potentially cut the wastage of food. If you are at university for the whole day, why not take a packed lunch in? This can save a lot of money rather than spending on the meal deals at Uni, although they are good, they are expensive! So it could be beneficial to take your own in! Take advantage of student discount Many students are aware of this […]