Finance is almost certainly one of the last things on your mind during Fresher’s week but you really should set some sober time aside to sort a few things out.

Honestly, you’ll thank us when you’re not left broke before Christmas.

Open a student bank account

The first thing you’ll want to do is open up a student bank account. You usually actually want to do this before you leave home. Look around for the best deals available and see which works out best for you.

Get an interest free overdraft (if you can)

Look out for banks offering an interest free overdraft and apply if one is available. While you don’t want to go into your overdraft, it can act as a safety net and mean avoiding charges and fees for failed payments.

Make a budget

Your first loan payment is for your entire first term until the new year, not just fresher’s week so make sure to set some time aside to do the boring bit and budget your money wisely, you’ll be thankful come December!

Remember first year costs

First term of first year is by far the most expensive, not only is there Fresher’s week (aka seven days pending far too much on booze), but there are also costs such as books, equipment and societies you may want to join to consider.

Take as much as you can from home

The more you can cheekily grab from home, even things like plates, bowls and cutlery, the less you have to spend when you move in. Best to ask first!

Take cash for your first week

Cash will be very handy for your first few days as you settle in, especially if you’ve yet to set up a bank account. Once moved in, find the local banks and FREE cash points. NEVER pay to take your own money out.

Sort out food

If you’re living in self-catered accommodation, decide how ‘the food situation’ will work with your new flatmates. You may decide to shop and cook together (it’s more social, easier and cheaper!) but alternatively you may wish to keep your own food to yourself.

Avoid expensive ready meals

Ready meals can be tempting but they’re very expensive. Instead, learn how to cook some basic student meals. There are plenty of cheap and easy student recipes out there that are almost idiot proof even for first time student chefs.

Discover the best (cheapest) places to shop

Have a wonder around the local area and high street and discover what’s around from the big chain supermarkets to local green grocer’s and butchers.

Get a local bus pass or smart card

Assuming you plan on using the bus a lot (in most student cities you will), you’ll save hundreds of pounds across the year with a bus pass or card. Exactly what is on offer will vary from area to area so do your research.

Grab all the freebies you can

As a 2015 university fresher take advantage of companies who will (sometimes quite literally) throw free stuff your way. From pens to T-shirts, TAKE IT ALL.