Money can be big a worry before you come to Uni so here is a few (hopefully) handy hints:

• Make sure you set up a student bank account before you get to Durham (if at all possible). The choice of bank is yours but a proper debit card (rather than solo or electron) is a must and a cheque book is definitely worth having. If you can set up internet backing as it’s incredibly useful.
• Try to set a budget and stick to it. However tempting it may seem, don’t go on a massive spending spree when you get your loan as you will ‘pay for it’ at the end of a term.
   Don’t buy all the books on your reading list as nearly all of them will be available free of charge at the library and if you get them from the college library it's likely you will be able to keep them for the whole term.
  At the DSU fair if you sign up for any clubs/societies don’t pay for them up front. Go along to a few sessions and if you think you will continue to go, pay then (the Union Society (DUS) can be really confusing as this is mainly a debating society and completely separate to the DSU which every Durham student is a member of. You only need to join the DUS if you think you will go along to the debates).
  Try to stick to college meals as although it may not feel like it you have paid for them and all the extra bits of food you buy in town will add up.
• Drink in college bars, as it’s much cheaper than the local pubs and they are better (especially Collingwood's!)

Can I work while I'm in Durham?

Officially the University advises that you should not work more than 12 hours a week so you have enough time to complete all of your academic work, and they also take into account time to socialise.

If you would like a job, college offers work in our coffee shop, shop, library and bar, as well as filling vending machines. College jobs are ideal as they are run by the JCR, are only a few minutes away and, if they’re not too busy, you can even get some work done while on the job.

If you would like to apply for a job outside of college then you can consult the Student Employment Service at http://www.dur.ac.uk/ses/. They can help you find a job with an employer who will be understanding about your work load and negotiate hours that you can fit around your studies.