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Learning on a Shoe-String: Top Tips for Cheap Student Living

One of the main expenses at university is your accommodation. Price and quality vary hugely, but there is something out there to suit everyone's taste and budget.

UNITE are the UK's leading provider of student accommodation at http://www.unite-students.com. They offer a wide range of accommodation in 24 cities across the UK, to suit varying budgets and expectations. And because all room prices are inclusive of utility bills, internet access and contents insurance, there are no hidden costs for residents.

If you're on a tight budget, here are some useful tips from UNITE on how to be smart with your cash.

    - Location - Consider location vs. price carefully. You might feel like
      you're getting a bargain by opting for a cheaper area, but think about
      the added cost of travelling to and from uni or the city centre (
      http://www.unite-students.com/student-accommodation-UK?)

    - Getting around - Depending on the location of the accommodation you
      choose, getting around can be expensive. Weekly or monthly travel cards
      can shave pounds off your travel expenses. Don't forget to see if there
      are student discounts - a Student Rail Card will save a third on rail
      fares.

    - Utility bills and internet access - Find out if the accommodation
      provider includes these in the rent price. If not, work out how much it
      will cost in advance so you can budget accordingly. Make use of price
      comparison sites to get the best deals (
      http://www.unite-students.com/clearing/index.html)

    - Go green - You can implement some simple measures to become more energy
      efficient - and you'll notice a saving if you pay monthly utility
      bills. Try turning your lights off when you leave a room, use off-peak
      electricity by setting your washing machine to come on at night and
      only boil as much water as you need.

    - Get insured - Contents insurance is essential, so check if this is
      covered by your accommodation provider. For example, UNITE's prices are
      inclusive of contents insurance. Always check what the policy covers as
      often you will need to upgrade the policy to cover personal items such
      as laptops. Companies such as Endsleigh provide contents insurance
      specifically for students.

    - Savvy shopper - Consider clubbing together with your flatmates to do
      food shops as buying in bulk is often cheaper. Don't always go for 'buy
      one get one free' deals or special offers on multiple items - you could
      end up paying out for items that go out of date or you just won't use
      (http://www.unite-students.com/student-homes/unite-partners)

    - Simple savings - Make sure you sign up for your NUS card as soon as you
      enrol at your university. It entitles you to lots of discounts on
      everything from cinema tickets to money off with retailers including
      Topshop, Amazon, Play.com

    - House Proud - You don't need to spend lots of money to get your place
      looking good. Make it your own with throws, cheap plants and photo
      montages. You might also find some retro gems in your parent's attic.

Students can browse, organise viewings, view virtual tours and book rooms online by visiting http://www.unite-students.com or find out more by calling +44-(0)800-783-4213.

SOURCE Unite-Students.com