MORE WAYS TO SAVE…

Buy second-hand textbooks. Ask your lecturer if previous versions of the textbook are acceptable.

Textbooks Check which textbooks are actually required and which ones are optional.

The Welfare and Student Liaison Office runs a FREE online Textbook Exchange Service for Griffith students to buy and sell textbooks.
Please visit www.griffith.edu.au/welfare

Consider renting your textbooks. Check online for various options.

Use the university and community libraries to borrow your books where possible.

Buy electronic versions of your textbooks, which are often cheaper than the print version.

Consider splitting the cost of a textbook with a friend who is taking the same class as you.

Compare different plans & pricing on websites such as www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones and www.finder.com.au/mobile-plans

Mobile Go prepaid. Save money as you won't be locked into a contract and you'll know exactly what you're going to be charged.
Phones
Use free apps. You can download an app to send free texts or make free calls. Popular apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger,
Line, Google Hangouts and Skype. Just remember this will use up your data, so connect to free Wi-Fi first.

Be aware of roaming. If travelling overseas, you may have high roaming charges. Get a prepaid phone in the country you're visiting.

Go for the cheaper phones, such as an older model, a refurbished phone or a less well-known phone.

Use Wi-Fi. Use free Wi-Fi whenever you can to conserve data.

If you own a tablet, a USB modem and a smartphone, consider packing them up on to a single Data Sharing plan.

Be prepared to switch suppliers regularly to get the best deals.

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 When buying groceries, take a shopping list and only buy what's on the list. This makes it easier to stick to your budget.

Buy in bulk or shop with friends or flatmates. Normally, the more you buy at one time, the cheaper the price will be.
Groceries
& Put your grocery money in an envelope. Don't take any other cash or cards with you so you can only spend what you have.
Shopping
Try going grocery shopping only once a week or fortnight. Use all the food in your pantry before you buy more.

Eat a meal or snack before you go to the supermarket. When you are not hungry, you tend to buy less food.

Plan ahead and do your shopping at bargain times, such as buying seasonal items (e.g. clothes and Christmas gifts) out of season.

Check the price of the item you want at different shops (online or in junk mail catalogues). Most shops will beat a competitor’s price.

Know your rights in relation to refunds. If you are charged higher than the advertised price, you may get that item for free.

Consider buying second hand. You can get great deals on second-hand furniture, clothing and household items online and at local thrift
stores such as Lifeline, the Salvation Army, St Vinnies and Animal Welfare League Qld.

FreeStuff@Griffith is a free service provided by the Welfare and Student Liaison Office for students and staff of Griffith University wishing to give
away pre-loved items, and for Griffith students to find free items they need. Please visit www.griffith.edu.au/welfare for details.

Instead of buying your lunch, you could prepare your own lunch in the morning or the night before.

Examine your rent, food, electricity and phone expenses if living away from home. Can you stay at home until you finish your studies?
Rent &
Living Consider renting a room close to the University. This could save you both travelling time and money.
Expenses
Access free newspapers and magazines at your local library or www.griffith.edu.au/library/library-resources/jump-pages/pressreader

Keep electricity bills down – turn off appliances and unplug them as the power point when not in use; turn off the lights and use a hot
water bottle instead of an electric blanket; avoid using the dryer; and dress in warmer clothing to avoid using the heater.

Save electricity by buying energy efficient light bulbs and check the energy star rating when buying appliances. Download the
government’s Light Bulb Saver app or the Energy Rating app at www.energyrating.gov.au/apps to help with this.

When using the heater or air-conditioner, close the door, curtains or blinds and cover gaps under doors and windows to keep the heat or
cool air inside the room.

Compare energy suppliers to make sure you're getting the best deal. Compare energy offers by visiting www.energymadeeasy.gov.au

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 Check whether you are eligible for any scholarships such as academic or equity scholarships at www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships

Available Make use of the internet hours provided by Griffith University. See www.griffith.edu.au/student-computing/internet-on-campus for
Resources information.

When possible, save your work from the campus computers and print at home. This may be cheaper than printing on campus.

Apply for a Centrelink Health Care Card to save on medical expenses. You may be eligible even if you don’t receive a Centrelink benefit.

If you need short term financial support for education related items or living expenses, check if you are eligible for an interest free
University Student Loan or a Bursary. Further information is available at Student Services on your campus or visit
www.griffith.edu.au/welfare.

If you are struggling with debt, you can see a Financial Counsellor who can provide free, confidential and independent advice. Services
can be located at the Financial Counselling Australia website www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/Corporate/Find-a-Counsellor, the
Money Smart website www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/managing-debts/financial-counselling or Salvation Army Moneycare
www.salvos.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/financial-counselling or call the Financial Counselling Hotline on 1800 007 007.

Banks often charge monthly fees, but some banks allow students to open an account without these fees. Shop around for the best deal.

Avoid If you are writing a cheque or organising direct debit, make sure you have enough money in your bank account to cover these. Otherwise,
Fees, you will be charged a dishonour fee which can be up to $45.
Fines & Only use a credit card if you can repay the whole amount by the end of the interest free period. Do not spend more than you would without
Interest a card. This will cost you interest for spending your money in advance. Wait until you have the required money before making purchases.

Never have more than one credit card, the fees / charges / interest can all add up.
Avoid library fines. Make sure you return your books on time by highlighting due dates in your calendar or setting a reminder in your
phone.

When sharing a house with flatmates, ensure you are not left with a large bill when flatmates leave. Consider organising a pre-paid fixed
electricity account to avoid this problem. Apps such as Splitwise www.splitwise.com can help keep track of shared expenses.
Pay your bills on time to avoid any late charges. Read your bills carefully as companies do sometimes make mistakes.

If you have existing credit card debt, consider looking for 0% interest balance transfers with a different provider. However, please take into
account the transaction and transfer fees, account and annual fees, interest rates (including what happens if you don’t pay back the money
in the 0% interest period) and all terms and conditions before you sign any agreement.

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 It is important that you pay your tuition fees on time. Talk to an International Student Advisor as soon as you think that you may have
difficulty in paying your fees. Depending on your situation, you may be able to pay your fees in regular instalments (called a payment
plan). You must submit your payment plan application by the end of week 3.

Tips for If you experience financial concerns and find it difficult to meet your living expenses, it is important you make an appointment to see a
International Welfare & Student Liaison Officer to explore different options. It is difficult to help after your enrolment has been cancelled.
Students
If you are expecting some funds (e.g. scholarship, family allowance) to arrive but they are delayed (or if unexpected circumstances leave
you short of money for living expenses), you may be able to apply for an interest-free Student Loan from the University. You can
borrow up to $1000 for living or education expenses. Make an appointment to see a Welfare & Student Liaison Officer.

If you receive government scholarships or loans in one lump sum payment, it is important to work out how many weeks this money has to
last after tuition fees have been taken out. You should be careful not to overspend in the initial weeks. If you need assistance in
working out your budget, make an appointment to see a Welfare & Student Liaison Officer.

If you are renting, you would have paid a bond, which is normally equal to 4 weeks rent. This bond money should have been lodged with
the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). When you move out, you can claim your bond money back from the RTA at
www.rta.qld.gov.au

Tax: If you are working and pay tax, you may lodge your tax return after the financial year has ended (30 June). If you need assistance,
you may be eligible to for the Tax Help Program. Please visit www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Lodging-your-tax-return/Tax-Help-program for
details.

If you are leaving the country permanently before 30 June, you may need to lodge your tax return early. Please visit the ATO website at
www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/Going-overseas/Lodging-your-tax-return/Lodging-your-tax-return-early or
contact the ATO on 13 28 65 for further information.

Superannuation: If you are aged over 18 and earn $450 or more (before tax) in a calendar month, your employer should pay
superannuation. This applies whether you work full time, part time or on a casual basis. Please visit www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super

If you are departing Australia permanently when you finish your studies, you can submit an application to claim your superannuation.
This type of super withdrawal is called a 'departing Australia super payment' (DASP). You can claim your super online using the Temporary
residents online application or by downloading the form Application for a departing Australia superannuation payment. These can be found
at www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/accessing-your-super/temporary-residents-leaving-australia

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