Probably one of the biggest hurdles students have to face at university is managing their money. If it’s your first time living away from home, taking care of your finances can be difficult, particularly if you 
have a ridiculously over-active social life.
But you don’t necessarily need to splash the cash in order to have fun, there is some student free stuff out there… You’d be surprised what you can get for free, even in the aftermath of a recession. Here are a few suggestions of how to shop and enjoy yourself without becoming penniless in the process.
FreeCycle.org
Imagine Ebay, but without the ‘money’ part. This organisation was set up back in 2003, in an attempt to encourage people to recycle goods rather than give them to the bin man.
Once you sign up to Free Cycle, you can not only browse through free stuff items that are up for grabs in your area, you can post any items you want to get rid of as well. Search results display anything from old books to flat screen TV’s; you could pretty much kit out your entire living room without spending a penny (student free stuff is great), and you’ll be helping the environment too.
Applausestore.com
If you’re after a bit of free entertainment, pop this website into your address bar. On applausestore.com you could land yourself with a free ticket to watch the recording of one of your favourite television programmes. Just register your details and you can put yourself on the list to see shows like Britain’s Got Talent, QI and Top Gear for absolutely nothing.
{AF template=round_quotes} Rule no 1. Never lose money. Rule no 2. Never forget rule 1. Warren Buffet.. {/AF}
Swishing.com
How about trying swishing to save a bit of money? You’ll probably have a blank look on you face after reading that sentence but believe it or not this is an actual craze, and it’s a brilliant way to have fun, and get a brand new wardrobe without spending a penny.
The rules are each attendee must bring at least one clean item of clothing to swap with another attendee’s, ergo obtaining a brand new outfit for free. The first swishing party took place in London in 2005; now the idea has taken off and the soirees are held up and down the country. Visit Swishing.com to find a list of events in your area.
Our Top 20 Deals
If you’re on the hunt for free or cheap deals then check our our top 20 deals. A free gym day pass, 2 for 1 pizza deals, free business cards, a free CV review and much more free stuff!
Free Haircuts
It’s hard to get a new hairdo nowadays without spending a fortune, but there are ways around it. If you’re brave enough, you could volunteer to become a model at your local college or beauty parlour. It might not have the same atmosphere as a swanky London salon, but you will get your hair styled for free and you’ll be helping a young professional learn the ropes in the process. Student free stuff, we love it!
{AF template=round_quotes} All days are not the same. Save for rainy day. When you don’t work, savings will work for you. M.K Soni. {/AF}