...and f ive musts to help save you money

DISCOUNTS

Take advantage of the many discounts and freebies available if you have a student card. Discounts are available from restaurants such as Mao and KC Peaches, cinemas including the IFI and Odeon and retailers like New Look, Oasis, Top Shop, Boots and Lifestyle Sports. If you’re in the students’ union you can avail of a video GP service. KBC has a special deal aimed at students, offering up to €75 if you open a student current account. However, KBC has only 16 branches and it can be hard to get hard cash or even a bank draft directly from one without notice.

BUDGET

Set a budget – and stick to it. Set an amount aside each week to spend, withdraw it in cash

COOK

Learn how to cook – it is way cheaper (and more nutritious) than living off ready-meals.

PAY TAX

Don’t pay too much tax. You can earn up to €13,000, and pay nothing. If you do earn less than that and paid ‘emergency tax’ because you didn’t get your tax affairs sorted, you might be able to claim it back.