The Australian government website MoneySmart has a wealth of information and advice on a range of financial issues, including a section specifically for students on how to live on a student budget.

USU Membership

Make the most of USU's free membership. Members can sign up for clubs and societies, participate in USU programs and services, sit on committees, apply for student employment roles and grants, and take advantage of paid job or volunteering opportunities.

For an additional $45, you can join USU Access Rewards, which gives you a 10% discount at food and retail outlets across campus.

Travel costs

• You may be eligible to apply for a travel concession that gives you cheaper public transport fares.
• Department of Human Services Fares Allowance helps with travel costs between your permanent home and your place of tertiary study in Australia.

Rebates and allowances

• The Low Income Household Rebate helps eligible low income NSW households cover the costs of their energy bills. It is paid once each financial year.
• The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) scheme helps people experiencing a short term financial crisis or emergency pay their electricity or natural gas bill, with $50 vouchers.

Here are some useful links and resources to help you cut your overall living costs as a student.

Food options

Reduce costs by cooking at home and seeking out affordable grocery options.

• The Food Pantry rescues fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and other good quality food from being thrown into landfill and passes them on at highly affordable rates to the community.
• Anglicare provides immediate practical assistance if you are having difficulty paying for food and household bills.

Computers

Consider these alternative options for purchasing computers.

• Work Ventures is a not-for-profit social enterprise specialising in refurbished computers.
• MicroSeconds specialises in refurbished Apple products.

Household goods

Find cheap or free furniture, clothing and household goods on these trading sites.

• Freecycle
• Innerwest Sydney buy, swap and sell Facebook site
• Gumtree.

Books

Purchasing new textbooks can be expensive, so borrow or purchase pre-loved books to keep costs down.

• Get to know the library; it’s free to access and they have an abundance of resources and study spaces.
• Student VIP is a website where students from across Australia trade textbooks and provide advice, including tips on getting around campus.

While the University does offer interest-free loans to eligible students, there may be times when you need to explore external options.

• The Student Start-Up loan is a $1077 loan for eligible students who receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy. Loans can be accessed each semester and are repaid once you start earning a certain amount of income.
• The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offers loans for people on low incomes that can be used for educational expenses, household items, and some medical and dental services. You can borrow up to $1500 with up to 12-18 months to repay.
• Department of Communities and Justice Housing provides interest-free loans to assist with rental bonds.