Financial institutions in the UK used to love students and would often go out of there way to sign them up. And why not? Students represent a fantastic opportunity for banks and credit card companies given their future earning potential and the fact most students tend to stay most their lives with the bank they had as a student. Banks used to spend millions in freebies trying to attract fickle students but are the days of student perks over?
The student financial market is seeing change, just like other areas of the economy. Freebies are disappearing as are added extras and favourable borrowing arrangements. Increasingly, you’d be lucky to be offered free cinema tickets along with your basic bank account – useful, eh? The credit crunch is hitting the student market just like others and the banks are seriously tightening their belts. No more iPods and cheap overdrafts. Sorry. There is of course another added risk for the bank which has shaken the very attractiveness of the student. With many students leaving university over £20,000 in debt and the credit crunch also harming the job market, there are worries that students may struggle to get those well paid jobs. This would put pressure on students’ ability to re-pay any bank debts and of course, this is something the banks worry about a great deal.
Many UK students are waiting with baited breath for their A level exam results. For many of you, going to university will represent the first time you’ve had real independence and responsibility. Part of this responsibility will be managing your money. In fact, student money matters rate highest of all things currently worrying students. If you have decided to take a student loan, you will be receiving three lump sum payments throughout the year, which you will have to manage; bills need to be paid and of course you need enough money to live and party. Getting it right financially is very important; being down in the dumps with money matters will not only make you miserable, but could affect your studies too. But don’t panic, there is some great student money tips in this article to ease you into student life.
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. The whole purpose of the IELTS examination is to measure your ability to communicate in English. You be will tested across the four major disciplines of listening, reading, writing and speaking. If you plan to study or work in an English speaking country it is more than likely you will be need have passed the IELTS test. We’ve brought together 20 of the most common questions about the IELTS examination.