Seven ways to save money as a graduate

University is finally coming to a climactic end for students up and down the country, but a fundamental reliance upon student loans during the past three or four years may also leave many recent graduates feeling lost and financially helpless.

It’s fathomable to feel the doom and gloom of those post-Uni blues, especially where money is concerned, so what actions can you take to get back on your feet?

        1. Get a Graduate Bank Account

Take advantage of those graduate-exclusive deals by switching from your student account to a graduate one. Certain banks can even offer overdrafts with 0% interest for up for three years.

Comparison sites like Which? and Money Saving Expert will also help you find the best deal to suit you and your spending habits – don’t opt for the largest overdraft option if you don’t really need to.

It’s important to never think of it as “free money”, and instead you should use it as a chance to clear any debt if you have already overdrawn your student account.

        2. Student loan stress

Don’t let the burden of repaying your student loan keep you awake at night. You will not be expected to make any repayments until you are earning over £15,000 a year, at which point it will be simply deducted from your payslip with 0% interest.

        3. Settle your bills

Ensure you have paid all your bills in your student accommodation before you have moved out, and inform utility companies that you are leaving. By not doing so, you risk being charged for gas, electricity or water used by the property’s succeeding tenants. It’s also recommended that you provide a forwarding address to your previous landlord in case you receive any important bills or letters after you have left.

        4. Property deposit

Get your deposit back from your landlord when you have moved out of your student accommodation – it’s best to do this as soon as possible.

        5. Fly back to the nest

The prospect of living with parents again may horrify you but it is far more cost effective and will allow you to save up for a deposit for your own place in the future.

        6. Budget carefully

Set up a spending plan to establish what you really need, and stick to it. Using cash rather than card when purchasing items will also make you more aware of what you are spending.

        7. Graduate discounts

You can still enjoy the student life a little with discounts and deals from a range of websites and apps – take a look at Graduate Extra on the NUS website for offers on everything from driving lessons to fashion.

Vouchercloud are ideal for fashion, electronics and mobile deals, while Groupon have great discounts on hotels, restaurants and days out in London.

You can even gain cash back on items by buying through Quidco from a variety of retailers, including Tesco, Amazon, M&S and Boots.