Money saving tips for students! (software & general)

Well after the student protest disaster today I thought it would be a good time to lighten the note for students by publishing a few money saving links.

As you all know it pays to shop about and refrain from buying the first thing you see, I’ve compiled a few basic rules to abide by whilst shopping as a student:

- Shop around. Chances are if you have found a good deal there will be an even better deal around the corner.

- Shop online. I know many people are sceptical about online shopping but with the right security on your PC and a good amount of awareness online it is completely safe! I have done all my shopping online for around the past year or more, websites are constantly offering promotions and giving out discount codes so there is never a better time to get online! Google Shopping is my favourite tool whilst shopping online as you can simply enter the item you want and then filter price low to high giving you the best prices!

- Sign up to newsletters and enter competitions. You make think you’ll never win but you have to be in it to win it! Websites regularly offer extra privileges to users on their mail list (discount codes, free delivery etc..).

- If you’re interested in a brand follow them via social media (Facebook/Twitter). All big companies are taking the social-media craze by storm, and often offering special offers to people ‘following’ or ‘like’ing them.

- Don’t be afraid to buy second hand. Why buy brand new books when you can get the same book for half the price? Ask friends you know that have graduated, check your universities forum and use Amazon or eBay (links below).

I will now provide a few links that I have found very useful for money saving.

NUS Extra the card all students should have for getting everyday discounts.

Here are two dedicated student discount websites providing daily discounts for different services/products.
Student Beans
Student Discounts

Here is a website I have found HIGHLY useful, especially on the forum. This website provides everything and anything regarding money saving and the forum has dedicated sections i.e. student money saving, freebies and discount codes. I definitely recommend a bookmark on this one:
Money Saving Supermarket

Here are two websites used for selling just about anything you can imagine, also allowing users to sell second hand products that are no longer wanted. eBay being the more auction orientated website and amazon the more ‘Buy it now’ oriented website. Both of these are incredibly useful websites but I urge everyone to learn how to use them properly before spending any big money, ALWAYS read sellers feedback before purchasing anything.
eBay
Amazon

These websites are not only aimed at those tech savvy students but at all students as I’m sure every student runs or needs a copy Microsoft’s Office package or would like to upgrade to Windows 7. These websites allow you to get free or at least discounted software providing you are a student an eligible student email. I urge everyone to visit these sites as you may find something useful on there that you weren’t even expecting!
Microsoft UK Students
Dreamspark
MSDN AA

Also if you haven’t done already ‘like’ or ‘follow’ the Microsoft UK Students page, get involved, talk tech and learn of any new offers regarding Microsoft Products!
Microsoft UK Students – Twitter
Microsoft UK Students – Facebook

If anyone would like further information on anything regarding this post feel free to contact me, I hope this comes in handy to someone!