Published in cooperation with Pricewise

During your student life you face a lot of challenges. It can be difficult to maintain a proper balance between getting good grades and having a fulfilling social life, not to mention the fact that living by yourself can be more expensive than you had anticipated. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to cut back on your costs.

Do not underestimate the value of a good deal

Sensible grocery shopping takes some planning, but when done right your bank account will thank you. Make sure to set an allocated budget for yourself in advance. Whether you do this monthly or weekly is totally up to you, just make sure you don’t exceed your budget. One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. Also, keep in mind that at the end of the day, fresh products such as bread, meat and vegetables may get marked down in price. When you find a good deal, always think big and buy in bulk. Even if you do end up buying too much, you can always store the leftovers in the fridge or the freezer. Besides that, you can reduce costs easily by sharing meals with your friends or roommates.

Take a good look at your phone plan

In a world where most people seem to be online and connected 24/7, opting for a phone plan with unlimited data seems like a smart choice. However, nowadays almost every building or for example a pub offers free WiFi. Instead of using your data, connect to the WiFi whenever you can and lower your phone plan to the absolute minimum.

Keep that energy bill as low as possible

When you first move into your own place, picking the right energy provider can be tough. Do you just want the most affordable option or would rather go for a green company that values sustainability? An energy compare website is an easy online tool that will help you compare different providers to make sure you are getting the service you want while paying a fair price. Based on the results,it is much easier to make an informed decision about the energy provider that is right for you. Most energy compare websites allow you to sign a contract with your prefered energy provider right away.

Be mindful about your healthcare insurance

In the Netherlands it is mandatory to have your own healthcare insurance if you are over 18. In comparison with picking the right energy provider, it can be challenging to find the right insurance for you. If you do not have any major health concerns, it is usually a safe bet to opt for a cheaper insurance. While these may not cover all medical costs such as dentists or doctors appointments, you do end up saving quite a lot of money on a monthly basis. If you need additional financial support, you can always check whether you qualify for financial aid or a student loan provided by DUO.