Thinking of making that last trip to the dentist? Better do it soon. That’s because once you’ve graduated from university or hit a certain age (anywhere from 18-25), you can no longer claim any benefits under your parents’ healthcare insurance. Other procedures that students lose out when they graduate include prescription medicaine and eye care, but for the basic healthcare needs, there’s always provincial health insurance.
Student Savings: Public Transit
While driving offers a sense of freedom, it can be a financial death trap. Between monthly payments if you’re leasing, the cost of insurance and the price of petrol, your wallet is more likely to run empty before the petrol tank does.
Instead, make use of the discounts offered on public transit — universities like UCT, for example, give their students the option of the Jammie Shuttle as part of their enrolment.
Student Savings: Food
Next to transportation, the most valuable discount students can take advantage of is in the food department. From restaurants to grocery stores, students generally save at least 10 per cent off their total purchase. Just think of all the 2 minute noodles you can buy with the savings.
Student Savings: Finances
Finally, in addition to saving money for transportation and food, students can take advantage of savings when it actually comes to their finances. Most of South Africa’s major banks offer student bank accounts that include perks such as no-fee banking or accounts with no minimum transactions.
Gather All Your References
While you could start networking after landing your first job, the smarter thing to do would be to start networking while in university. Professors, teaching assistants, even older students with connections in your industry can all make excellent references. All you have to do is get them to notice you amongst the other hundreds of students they see on a weekly basis.
Eat 2 Minute Noodles Out Of a Mug
Did you know that if you eat 2 minute noodles out of a mug, it still tastes like student poverty? Still, that shouldn’t deter you from trying such bold concoctions while you still have the “starving student” stereotype to justify it.
Organize Your Email’s Inbox
If you”re about to graduate, chances are that you’ve been working out of a university assigned email the last few years. But once you’ve graduated, schools close off these accounts, locking you out of whatever contacts or emails you may need. Instead, take the time to start importing all your precious info into an email account that’s less temporary.
Visit A Career Guidance Counsellor
For many students, university is a time for self-discovery and one of those discoveries could be what your ideal career to pursue once you graduate. That’s not to say you can’t consult career counsellors once you’re out of school, only that it’ll cost you to do so.
Take Advantage Of Your Student Athletic Facilities
If you thought paying a few Rands for a semester’s worth of access to your university’s gym was ridiculous, you haven’t seen the membership fees to join gyms outside of campus.
Article by Huffington Post