Not only do you have to create your budget, you have to stick to it too unfortunately. But here are some tips for doing just that:

1. Keep your bank statements and check th​em regularly to make sure you're on track. 2. Don't just follow the crowd if you haven't got enough cash to do something.​ 3. Only have enough cash in your purse/wallet that you can afford to spend, especially if you're going on a night out. 4. Whenever you're making a purchase ask yourself whether you just want it or you actually need it. 5. Don't get too stressed out or too constrained with your budget because you might end up​ going on a spending binge. Cutting Costs The savviest students attempt to make savings in all walks of life and you should too. Think about it, if you make savings now and have a little extra cash at the end of each month it means you can treat yourself or simply be in less debt by the time you finish university. In the following you'll find some general tips for lowering the cost of each expense. You'll also find out where to find the best deals and discounts. Food​ Take a shopping list with you and only buy what you need. Share food with your house mates so you can buy cheaper items in bulk. Freeze food so it doesn't go off and is therefore wasted. Transport Get a discounted weekly or student travel card e.g. a student Oyster card. Take the bus or walk wherever you can, it's cheaper than trains, trams etc. Always book trains home in advance or take the coach. Books Buy second-hand online or from former students. Use Gooogle Books for excerpts of the texts you might need. Instead of buying the books, use the library's copy as long as you can. Reserve the books where necessary. Shopping Always check if there's a student discount available. Buy second-hand from charity shops and the like. Use price comparison sites for everything you need. Going Out Have a couple of drinks before you go out rather than going to a pub or bar. Go to local student nights for cheaper drinks. Get friendly with promoters for discounted tickets or free entry. At Home Use Skype to call your friends and family to lower your phone bill. Don't bother with a TV, license and subscription, watch your fave shows on demand. Be careful with your use of electricity and heating.Top 10 Sites For Finding Student Deals NUS Extra Save the Student Student Money Saver UniDays Student BeansGroupon Money Saving Expert Voucher Codes StudentUniverse Swagbucks We hope you've found this post helpful and you're feeling well-equipped to deal with the money perils that could come your way during your first year at university. Don't forget to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter if you found it useful!​ Sources: This is Money, Student Crowd, Money Saving Expert, Bright Knowledge, Save the Student, Student Profit, Pixabay, The Guardian