startsavingmad

It can be so easy to get caught up in the bargain bullying of seasonal deals.  But how much are you saving really?  Research from consumer group Which? found that only 4 of 83 of the items checked were cheaper on Black Friday than at other times of year. Literally a case of don’t believe the hype. (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/26/black-friday-uk-discounts-genuine-which)

Besides, seasonal cheer needn’t be about buying “stuff”.  There’s no denying the joy of presenting a loved one with a gift, but it doesn’t need to break your already fragile bank account.  Why not consider these purse-friendly alternatives:

-          Secret Santa – this doesn’t have to be restricted to the workplace, you can extend the concept to friends and family.  Nobody, literally nobody, wants to spend a fortune on overpriced, seasonal goods just cos it’s the thing to do.  So why not, as a group, choose a name from a hat, set yourself a spending limit and buy that person a gift. That way, everyone gets something to open, without forking out on several Lynx gift sets and Yankee candles.

-          No buy pact – my siblings and friends have done this for years.  What is buying presents to exchange really?  Just running unnecessary errands.  In my experience, people are grateful not to have to think about another thing to buy or person to consider.  It may initially sound a little “bah humbug”, but you’ll be offering the best gift of all – zero obligation!

-          Make gifts – don’t panic, there’s no need to get all Kirstie Allsop on this.  You can keep it simple.  Make a cake, bake bread, paint a picture, write a limerick, make a Spotify playlist….the options are endless, even without being a master craftsperson.

-          Don’t get bored with board games – why not, as family or group, invest in spending time together by simply buying a board game each.  They can be reasonably priced and will provide hours of fun!

 September – the start of a new chapter for many.  You are ready to pack up your adolescence (maybe) and enter the University world.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement and nerves…and excited and nervous you should be! But don’t lose sight of the importance of planning your venture to pastures new.

So many of those students who have come before you will regale the mistakes they made in preparing for University – some sensible, some hilarious.  Here are a few top tips from them directly:

-          Make sure you register with the local GP

-          Buy second hand books

-          Insure your valuables

-          Don’t shop when hungry!

-          Don’t buy a hamster! 

Read more mistakes from well-known people here https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/14/learn-from-our-mistakes-freshers-week-regrets  

And, so you can learn from the mistakes of others, we have devised a pre-arrival money checklist, so at least your cash won’t be your crisis! 

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/money-campuslife/pre-arrival-money-checklist/

With money on your mind, it may be helpful to check out the Money@CampusLife Cost of Living page. This will give you an idea of what you’ll be buying to get by in Swansea.  Swansea is the fifth cheapest city for students to live in, so you actually LIVE in Swansea. 

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/cost-of-living/

As boring as it sounds, budgeting is your best friend.  Your maintenance funding is sent to you in three large payments at the beginning of each term.  That first money drop can feel like a bottomless pit of dough, but veterans will warn you that if you don’t manage it, it soon disappears.  

So, if you find it burning a hole in your pocket, figure out the figures before you indulge.  A good technique is working out your outgoings weekly or monthly so you where you need to allocate that cash.  You could even put it into a second account for bills, allowing yourself, via standing order, any remaining cash for yourself.  

Also make use of a budgeting app.  There are plenty of free options available. Most will show spikes in your spending, so you’ll be able to identify whether you need to cut the coffee, shrink the shopping or ease up on the entertainment.

*This blog focuses on what’s on in Swansea and the surrounding area, but if you simply Google “what’s on in…” followed by your home town or city, plenty of websites will come up.*

Summer holidays have just begun and are you already wishing your beloveds are back in school??  You are not alone.  Thankfully, there are free activities going on all over which will keep your little monsters entertained throughout the holiday period. 

Park Lives

Park Lives is an initiative set-up by Coca-Cola and partners.  They want the public to get the most of their local parks by bringing a wide range of activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.  In Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, there are activities ranging from tai chi to mountain boarding to Nordic walking – and it’s all FREE!  Check out the following website to find what’s on near you https://www.parklives.com/councils/swansea 

Waterfront Museum

Forming part of the National Museum Wales, the Waterfront Museum in Wales is bursting with activities all year round and summer puts the fun into high gear. Get up close and personal to the mini world of the crawly and slimy by taking part in the minibeasts workshop, learn some Welsh with your little ones through play and nursery rhymes or just sit back and relax with a family film.  The museum also operate a quiet hour for some events for those who enjoy a calmer and quieter time with less stimuli.  Many activities are free and some hold a small fee, check out the website for details https://museum.wales/swansea/whatson/

Glynn Vivian Gallery

Fancy getting creative? The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea hosts a daily workshop for children to get involved with self-led activities, such as making their contribution to a 3-D ‘EPIC GEOGRAPHY’ project and entering a competition for drawing themselves as a dog!  There are also film clubs and family workshops on offer. See the website for more info https://www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivianevents

Dylan Thomas Centre

For the more literary amongst you, do not go gentle in to summer - the Dylan Thomas Centre are operating free self-led workshops involving poetry, making comics, story-making and reading.  For more see:  http://www.dylanthomas.com/events/holiday-memory-self-led-activities-23/ 

Margam Park

Set in 500 acres of Parkland with an imposing Castle at it’s centre, you can get lost in the beauty and history of Margam Park without the added bells and whistles.  But if it’s bells and whistles you’re looking for, then the park has them a-plenty over the holidays!  There are wildlife walks, historical tours with a theatrical edge and even an Italian food festival!  Situated just off the M4, it’s a magical place that’s easy to get to but harder to leave shttp://www.margamcountrypark.co.uk/2002?date=-1&p=2

International@CampusLife

Our very own International team at Swansea University are putting on family friendly trips over the summer holidays.  There is a small fee to secure coach seats, but children under three are free.  Book your tickets here - https://www.fatsoma.com/campus-life 

And there’s more…

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what you and your family can get involved in over the summer from cooking to space academies!  For more, check out the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot council websites to find something for you and, as we say Swansea “JOIO!”

There comes a time when we all have to succumb to “the man” and join the rat race.  And whether this is for some extra cash for summer vacation or you have been thrown to the lions of the real world following graduation - there are rules that apply when applying.  Check out the pointers below:

 1 - CV = brief read

CVs should not be any more than two sides of A4.  No employer wants to be trawling through pages of text to pick out your skills. Keep it concise and make use of bullet points.  The fundamentals to demonstrate are; your skills, your experience and your qualifications.  Keep your personal details low key with just your name and contact details.  And don’t forget to include references.  See the following website for templates; https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/example-cvs 

 2 - Check that person spec

Many first-timers to the application game make the mistake of studying the job description when making their application.  While the job description is important for you in establishing whether you want the position, the employers want to know whether you can do the job.  And this is where the person specification comes in. This will be a list of skills/experience criteria that you need to demonstrate you have experience of in order to be considered for the role.  If you cannot give an example of each and every essential person spec criteria, then it is unlikely you’ll be selected for interview.  So get that person spec list and start ticking

 3 - Reach for the STAR

There’s no doubt about it, completing an application is a skill.  And your statement(s) to demonstrate how you fit the criteria of the position is where you need to shine.  No employer wants to simply read “yes I can work in a team”.  They want to know HOW.  And equally no employer wants a long-winded “are you sitting comfortably” story about your teamwork either.  They want clear, concise, demonstrable evidence that your teamwork skills are second to none. That is where the much-loved STAR model comes in.  STAR - Situation. Task. Action. Result.  This is a tried and tested formula that proves your worth without the waffle.  For example, if one criteria of the person spec is evidence you can work well in a team, your answer may sound like this:

When working as part of the shop floor team in our University grocery store, our manager tasked us to take control of the weekly rota.(S) Due to the team being entirely made up of students, our manager did not want work to interfere with our studies, so gave the responsibility to fill the shifts between the team where we could consider each other’s commitments.(T)  The team achieved this by organising a brief, weekly round-up meeting at a time that was convenient for everyone.  This allowed all team members’ needs to be considered whilst keeping shift allocation fair.(A)  With this approach, people were more flexible and staff sickness/no-shows dropped from 30% to 4%.(R) 

And, if the result was not what you wanted or expected, turn this into a positive by showing that you made moves to improve, such as engaging in training or a review/reflection meeting.

 4 - Do your research

You’ve got that interview and you know your application inside out and back to front.  But don’t leave it there.  Now’s the time to do some homework.  Stalk that company’s website like it is your ex’s new squeeze! What is their vision, what are their values, what do they strive to achieve.  You want to know them better than they know themselves and use it! Throw in the odd sentence “As you say in your mission statement, I also believe…..blah blah blah”.  Employers love those who have done their background work.

5 - Practice, practice, practice

It’s all well and good memorising your application and website content, but reciting it verbatim in an interview?  A big no-no. Your answers need to flow forth casually but confidently.  And the only way to achieve this is practice.  And this doesn’t have to be role-play, especially if, like me, it feels so cringe-worthy it makes your skin go tight.  Just talk to yourself.  Think of each of the person specification point and give the example out loud as if in an interview.  Do this in the bath, while doing the dishes or when you’re driving.  And throw in a joke, gesticulate with your arms, expand on it makes sense - whatever comes naturally to you is the best way.

This month we have a piece written by Rachel from Money@CampusLife blog

We all have our own relationship with money. We love it, we hate it, we are indifferent to it, we are excited by it. The way we feel about money will obviously affect how we use it. Have you ever thought about your relationship with money?

We’ve put together a quiz to help you get thinking. The quiz is a bit of fun and the result is just a guide to help you think about the way you use money, there’s no right answer!

Write down the letter that is most relevant to you.

You’ve inherited £5000. You: a) Can finally book that holiday, and you do it immediately! b) Look for the best investment opportunity. c) Try and double it! d) Aren’t sure what you’ll do with it. e) Look for the best savings account.

Your friend’s big birthday is coming up. You: a) Buy them an expensive pair of sunglasses they once told you about. b) Feel anxious about having to part with money on a gift. c) Put a lottery ticket in their card. d) Make them a gift. It’s the thought that counts. e) Bought them a gift in the January sales.

Your car breaks down and you get a bill from the garage, you think: a) Oh well it needs to be done, I’ll pop it on the credit card. b) Well this is annoying, but that’s why I’m so careful with my money. c) How can I make this money back? d) I need to cycle more anyway. e) I’ll get quotes from other garages to make sure I’m getting the best price.

When you think about your finances and your future, you feel:

a) A little concerned, but you’re sure it will all work out. b) Great! You’re already making arrangements to support your future. c) Excited and hopeful for a big money maker. d) You don’t think about money when you think about the future. e) Fine. You’re good at saving.

A film comes out that you’ve been looking forward to seeing. You: a) See it in the cinema immediately, and treat your friend too. b) Wait. It’ll be shown on TV in a couple of years. c) Go on a Friday night. It might be more expensive than some other evenings but it’s the best night to go! d) Go and see it in the cinema, you’re not sure whether this will leave you enough money for your bills. e) Look into which cinemas offer student discount.

Look at your answers and note which letter you had the most (you may be more than one type).

Mostly… a = Spender b = Security Seeker c = Risk-Taker d = Avoider e = Saver

Like I said earlier, this is just for fun and there’s no right answer. Each type has positive qualities: Spender’s tend to be generous.

Security Seeker’s tend to be trustworthy. Risk-Taker’s tend to be adventurous. Avoider’s tend not to be materialistic. Saver’s tend to be organised.

You cannot hide any longer, it’s here.  It’s exam time.  And whether you’ve buried your head in the sand or studied with all the determination and commitment of an Olympic athlete, there is no escaping the anxiety that it brings.  

With the undeniable pressure that comes with exams, it’s even more important to your well-being to practice some self-care.  And this doesn’t need to take too much time nor cost you anything.  Helping yourself de-stress will make you absorb information better and therefore increase your productivity.  So it is worth your time to allow yourself the time out.

With that in mind, and the fact you probably have enough to be reading, I have kept this month’s blog a short and sweet stress-buster.  

TAKE A WALK

We are supremely lucky to study at Swansea with this one.  Both campuses offer real opportunities to get away from it all - whether that is the dunes on Bay or the Ornamental Gardens of Singleton Park.  And a brisk walk outdoors boosts endorphins and can reduce stress hormones.  So when things are starting to get too much, stop and take yourself out for a brisk 10-15 minute stroll, it will make all the difference.

GET SLEEP

Yes, this is easier said than done when you feel the deadlines breathing down your neck, but seriously, how alert can you truly be after only a couple of hours’ sleep? Getting your eight hours in will do wonders for your state of mind, so try and schedule this in.  Having difficulty getting relaxed?  Try these just before you turn in:

-A hot bath

-Reading easy fiction - a book rather than a device is better

-Do some bedtime yoga - https://yogawithadriene.com/yoga-for-bedtime/

-Breathe slowly and count backwards from 100 – a friend who trained as a marine informed me of this one, so it must be good!

EAT WELL

It is so easy to think that making food is a waste of your study time, but as someone who has had several food hangovers (I’m talking to you Domino’s), it’s not worth the lethargy. Fuel your body to perform better. So-called “brain food” can improve cognitive function, including memory, decision-making ability, mental response time, and mood.  They include fish, eggs, nuts, broccoli, blueberries, green tea and even dark chocolate. Check out this website for ideas on study snacks, and don’t forget, across campuses, there are always departments offering free fruit and snacks to to help keep you nourished during exams https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/revision/advice/brain-food-nine-simple-snacks-to-fuel-amazing-exam-grades

 And finally, remember that Community@Campuslife will be hosting a De-Stress Day on both Swansea University campuses with free massages, meditation, and most importantly…dogs!

Spring has finally sprung.  The time of new beginnings - brighter mornings, buds on the trees - like the world is re-awakening.  You naturally have the compulsion to start a-new.  And with exams just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to cleanse your mind….by cleaning your room.  

 It is fact that a big spring clean-style sort out is good for your health:

 - Clearing clutter reduces stress and anxiety - and you really don’t need extra stress just because of a pile of clothes 

 - You literally breathe better - blasting those dust balls does wonders for your lungs 

 - It’s cardio!  Moving that furniture to vaccuum underneath gets you that full body workout 

 - Making your bed means better sleep.  Add cleans sheets to the mix and you’re 75% more likely to get a good night’s sleep.  Laundry = lie-ins, who knew??

 Thing is, you might be looking around your room thinking “where do I even start?”  That’s why I’m here, to give you some ideas to get you moving. And what’s more, my Spring Clean is all green -  Spring Green, geddit?  Anyways, let’s begin.

Clothes - How do we do it?  How do we accumulate so much in such a short period?  I guarantee there are items that never see the light of day.  So, what to do with them?  Get Swishing!  I beg your pardon I hear you say!  Swishing is simply a big clothes swap.  Whether you get just your housemates/friends involved, or organise something on a larger scale, everybody brings clothes they no longer want and you shop each other’s wears...for free!  Reusing and recycling what would ordinarily go to landfill could save 39 million tonnes of carbon!  Keep an eye out for Swishing events that could be coming to @campuslifesu

Books - If like me, you feel your course books are a millstone around your neck, and literally one on your back, then there are no sentimental feelings to getting rid!  But rather than simply throwing them away, think about those coming up behind you who need them?  Academic books are staggeringly expensive.  And many students stress before they’ve even begun because of the sheer cost of starting.  So why not sell your books and a reduced rate?  You can set up an event or selling page on Facebook and pass on those books at a more manageable cost.  And why not write a little statement of encouragement inside for the next person?

Food - It’s always the same when it comes to cleaning the communal kitchen - endless unopened tins and packets.  When and why did we buy tinned rhubarb??  It goes without saying that any unopened non-perishables (also toiletries and cleaning products) should always go to the local homeless shelter or foodbank. Foodbank collections are available in many supermarkets, but also check with @campuslifesu and Swansea University Student’s Union for collections on campus. As with your perishables, make full use of your food bins.  If there is too much, contact your accommodation office who will advise where the nearest compost waste is located.  And when all that is done you’re usually left with frozen goods. Foodbanks won’t take them and they aren’t fit for disposal yet, so what to do?  Well, when in doubt, have a party!  Gather everyone around and cook up a storm!  You can provide your friends with a veritable feast of surprises!  A handful of popcorn chicken, a Linda McCartney vol-au-vont and a cider lolly were meant to be together!

Household/kitchen items - Plates, glasses, pots, pans...are you really taking this stuff home if you’re returning to an established household?  Unlikely.  So if not, pass it on.  Swansea University run a campaign Donate, Don’t Ditch, encouraging students to donate their kitchen and household goods and appliances that can then be passed on during arrivals week to anybody who needs them.  This will be the campaign’s third year and each year it is getting bigger, but the need for the items does not wane - everything goes.  So do your bit to help those who aren’t able to come with the proverbial kitchen sink, it really makes a difference to both people and the planet.

Eat Richer – my campaign to get you eater better and for less.  And why not start with Pancake Day.  A bit of history – Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up the eggs and fat in the pantry before folk embarked on their fast for Lent.  

 Now pancakes are epic, there’s no getting away from that.  So if you have eggs and flour that needs using and you decide to have stacks and stacks of them, then who can blame you?!  But for those who want more from their basic batter then look no further.

 I have found delicious alternatives to pancakes that will cost pennies.  Whether you’re going old school and mixing yourself or have bought too much of the ready-made mix, there are plenty of ways not to waste.

Pizza Muffins – two of my favourite things combined so this was always going to be given a whirl!  https://tasty.co/recipe/pizza-muffins

Quesadilla Pancakes – The wonderful thing about quesadillas is that you can make up any filling.  So be creative and just use what you have in your fridge – there are no rules! https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/quesadilla-pancakes

Jaffa Cake pancakes – I never used to be a lover of Jaffa Cakes, but my these are a treat.  https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/jaffa-cake-pancakes

These are just a few ideas, but there are soooo many other ideas out there, a few websites below. 

https://tasty.co/compilation/4-recipes-using-pancake-mix 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-make-leftover-pancake-batter

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-make-leftover-pancake-batter

Valentine’s Day - I’ve never been particularly sentimental to it.  I never had cuddly bears as a child, so why would I want them as an adult?  And remember your awkward early teens, when people were getting cards in school, and you desperately wanted the heart-shaped validation of your desirability? I shudder at the memory.  But, despite those cruel years, I have not become a cynical hater. I’m all for celebrations of love and celebrating those we love. In fact, I am here actively encouraging it.  However, I prefer the alternative to what we have been conditioned to believe Valentine’s Day is.

 Galentine’s Day is not a new concept, it came to the public’s attention via the TV show Parks & Recreation and is single “gals” getting together on Valentine’s Day to celebrate their singledom. And a commendable idea this is.  But why not use Valentine’s Day to reconnect with your mates whether you’re male, female or anything in between, and regardless of your relationship status. This, perhaps, has even more value when you’re in a relationship.  We all get immersed in the love bubble, add studies and jobs to this and organising a gathering with friends can be like herding cats.  

So spin Valentine’s Day on the head and use it to celebrate your closest friends and the love you have for each other.  This doesn’t have to be pricey either.  If, like me and my mates, you do not do Christmas gifts, you could maybe do a Valentine’s secret Santa, a Love Lucky Dip if you will.  Do not spend more than a fiver and just think of how far you can go with taking the mickey out of your nearest and dearest without the worry of causing offence.  The ruder, the funnier and therefore, the better.

For anyone looking to get out with their other half but not face the cutesy holding hands across the table vibe, why not try an alternative Valentine’s date?  Cinema & Co, Swansea are screening Natural Born Killers with pizza from just £15 https://www.cinemaco.co.uk/what-s-on And what’s more romantic than cosying up on a cuddly pallet sofa for two watching two lovers become serial killers. *Please do not copy what you see on screen*

 If you want a more cultural Valentine’s experience, those who love art can appreciate actual love art in the Volcano Theatre from 6th to 16th Feb.  Artist Bourdon Brindille explores the idea of love through art.  But not your “sterilized, pre-packaged, photoshopped love”.  The exhibition will have mediums such as painting, woodcarvings, drawings, concrete sculptures and prints.  And best of all, the exhibition is free! http://www.volcanotheatre.co.uk/whats-on/bourdon-brindille

It’s that time again. Do-gooders and high-achievers bombarding our insta feeds with their resolutions, helped along with their paid promos for that pyramid scheme or fat-reducing pond water.  Yes, you say you’re going to get a more abs in 2019, but you’re a fitness model Gary, it’s literally your job.

Us mere mortals then find ourselves falling into the trap of proclaiming to the world our goals – which, as we haven’t thought them through, puts us in the position of public humiliation when we bail a few days in.  Veganuary anyone?

However, the start of a new year can be a perfect time for self-reflection.  What things in your control affected you negatively in 2018? How can you change them for 2019? Did you leave assignments late and unplanned?  Or did you succumb so much to your studies that you neglected your self-care?  Did you budget to within an inch of your life, living like a reclusive spider?   Or did you spend all your first loan payment during the first few weeks so you spent the last two months playing catch up?

If you nodded vigorously at the final question, you are not alone.  The 2018 survey from savethestudent.org reported that 78% of students worry about making ends meet, with 61% stating their loan did not stretch far enough.  The good news is, making small changes to your budgeting plan can only produce positive results, leaving you with more money in your pocket without drastically changing your life.

For example, cannot function without your daily takeaway coffee?  Then consider this, £3 a day on coffee equates to £1095 over the year.  That’s a lot of cash on hot milk and ground beans. This could be even more if your order contains far too many words; “a grande decaff soy sugar-free caramel macc with an extra shot please”.  Yup, that was me.  And my coffee was costing me £4.35 a day.  I made the decision to buy myself a bamboo takeaway cup (£6.95), a coffee frother (£1) and syrups (£8.50) saving myself up to £1571.30 over the year!  My homemade coffee is far tastier and I am now doing an extra bit to reduce waste. I am saving the planet and my purse.

Another thing to you can try is a weekly “no spend” day.  This seems fairly straightforward, but with contactless, you will be surprised at how easily these small amounts add up significantly over the year. Based on figures from savethestudent.org, students spend on average £770 a month, which is £25.32 a day.  So reducing your spending by just one day a week can put £1316.64 back in your pocket.  It also does wonders psychologically, allowing you the space to practice taking a step back and think “do I really need this?”  

There are so many more small changes you can try:

-the 1p Savings Challenge. On day one you save 1p, day two you save 2p and so on until you get to day 365 and find you have saved £650!

-walk or cycle when you can. You will be reducing your carbon footprint, reducing your transport and gym costs and reducing your waistline! Result!  You can get good quality bikes from Re-Cycle Swansea www.re-cyclesouthwales.wordpress.com, they also offer a volunteer scheme where you can learn how to fix a bike for free.

-Flatmate Food Rota. I know the word “rota” makes you want to throw up a little, especially given a student’s life is so heavily governed by dates, but hear me out.  If you live in a house with five people for example, you each have to cook the household a meal once a weekday.  Club together for the weekly shop to cover this and boom, you have a chef for four days out of the working week and you all will have saved money by not succumbing to daily food shopping.