António Cotrim / Lusa
Where to live, with whom to live? How much will everything cost? Will there be money for everything? How to manage everyday expenses? “So many concerns.” Will there be time to study? And to make friends?
Enter university marks the beginning of a new stage. For those who start this route (or for those who closely follow him) there is a lot of enthusiasm, but also a series of practical decisions that can not stay for later and generate headaches.
It is the beginning of a demanding phase, where budget management makes all the difference.
Thinking about it, gathered some useful tips to make the start more tranquil and help make more informed decisions – Both for those who are starting university life, and for those who are supporting this path.
Find the right house
Finding house is one of the first challenges for those who are going to study outside and the high market prices require Planning.
As public university residences They are usually the most affordable option for scholarships, but the offer is limited and many vacancies are occupied by students from previous years.
When there is no place available, it is necessary to resort to alternatives:
- as Private Residencesalthough more expensive, often include expenses such as water, electricity, internet and services such as cleaning;
- lease In a shared house it is usually more economical, but with less privacy;
- already rent an entire house It gives more autonomy, but also implies higher costs and added responsibilities.
For some families, the Purchase of a property near the university It can also be an option, even as investment – Once it solves the accommodation issue and also allows rent other rooms and thus reach some financial balance.
Consider the value of the bribes
The bribes in public higher education remain frozen since 2020common Annual maximum of 697 euros for integrated degrees and masters, paid in installments defined by each institution.
But beware: if the government approved by the government is maintained in 2023, these values can be refunded later, in the form of a salary prizeat the time of entry into the job market.
In private higher education institutions, values vary greatly between institutions, and it is essential to analyze costs well and what is included in the total amount to pay.
Scholarships and subsidies: there is more than thinking
There are several scholarships and subsidies that can help relieve financial effort.
The best known are the ones, but there are also supports like the displacement subsidyo accommodation or the bag +Superiorattributed to those who go to institutions in the interior of the country.
In addition, several entities – such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the FCT, the Camões Institute or the Millennium BCP Foundation – attribute bags with their own criteria, so it is essential to do a close research and ensure the application within the established deadlines.
Work and study? Yes, but with balance
Reconciling studies with a part-time can be a good help to face expenses, but requires balance.
The first year is, as a rule, the most demanding in terms of adaptation, so it is important to evaluate real availability before making a commitment professional.
Among the most common work options for students are part of Call-Center, explanations or baby-sitting operators.
Some universities also make available programs of Tasfeira student, which allow you to collaborate in internal tasks in exchange for financial compensation or reduction in tuition fees.
Budget, budget, budget
Managing the budget well is another of the essential pillars at this stage.
Important Identify how much money is available month by month -Whether through tables, bags, part-times or other supports- and what are the charges Fixed, such as income, food, transport or telecommunications.
From there, it is important to define a limit to variable expenses – such as clothing, restaurants or exits with friends – and maintain a regular record of expenses. Simple tools like an excel sheet or a app finance Personal can make all the difference.
Visit the place before classes start
If possible, it is recommended pay a visit to the new city before class starts. Know the route to the university, identify the main services, the available public transport or supermarkets closer allows to anticipate needs and facilitates adaptation in the early days, providing a greater sense of safety and comfort from the beginning.
Studying outside the city of origin implies, in many cases, a considerable financial and logistics effort. But with planning and information due, the doctor finances in a statement sent to ZAP, This can be a rewarding phase and quieter.
