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Do you really need that car, computer, etc? Save hundreds per year

Do you really need to have your own computer? Does your university provide you with a computer room with reasonably easy access and printing facilities? If so (and most universities do), then by having your own computer, you are doubling up on something you may not really need, and which will take up a lot of your room space. If you do feel that a computer is necessary, do not be tempted to get the fastest possible new machine. A second hand computer will be perfectly adequate if all you plan to do is type up essays, and browse a few web pages.

· Find the best computer deals.

· Laptops.co.uk for the best in UK laptop deals.

If you have a car, leave it at home. It will be expensive to fill up and insure, and once your flatmates and friends find you have one, you will find yourself being the local unpaid taxi driver. If you do need to bring a car to university, make sure you are getting the best deal on your car insurance.

Don't be a brand junkie, when supermarket own-brands will often do the same job for half the price. Remember that most major brand manufacturers, such as Proctor & Gamble and Unilever also make products for the major supermarkets. Often only the badge is different, although if you are concerned about issues such as animal welfare or environmental standards, then supermarket own brands often have better records here too.

Don't be tempted by the sales to go out and buy a whole load of clothes you don't really need. Just because a GAP top is reduced from £50 to £35, can it ever be good value when it only cost a few pence to produce in the first place?

If you have a supermarket loyalty card, don't buy items just to get more points. Only buy what you need, and only use the extra point offers if you were going to buy that product anyway. Local markets or grocers' stores may be better value anyway. Don't forget about the smaller supermarkets such as Iceland, Farmfoods or Kwiksave, which often have city centre branches, and which are much cheaper than the major supermarkets.

Do you really need to buy a daily newspaper, just because your parents did? Use your university library, which will also stock a huge range of journals. A 45p daily broadsheet bought 200 times per year will cost you £90. If you do buy a paper, make sure you use the tokens which are offered in various student fresher packs. These will allow you to save 50% off the Times, Guardian and the Independent.

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