Most students have to be very careful with their money, even with a part time job and with the price of grocery items rising shopping for filling healthy food is tough. 

See below a few tips to help when shopping. 

• I know it obvious but make a list, check what you have in the cupboard so you don't buy what you don't need, make a meal plan but be prepared to change if other items are on special offer. 
• Shop in the morning, after some food, shopping this time of the day is when you are more focused and less likely to buy on impulse.
• Find out if there is a local veg market, they are normally much cheaper that the supermarket.
• Don't be afraid to use frozen veg and berries these are just as healthy as fresh and there is no waste if you don't eat them quickly.
• Store carrots in a resealable bag they stay fresh for much longer. Also put grapes and fresh berries in glass jars with lids they last for weeks like that, I discovered this with strawberries and they last so long in glass jars rather than going off in 3 hours in the plastic containers. 
• Buy items in season, out of season fruit and veg is very expensive.
• Try cheaper brands, most of the time they taste the same as the more expensive ones. 
• Add grated carrot to mince to bulk out and give you some veg. 
• Make you own pasta sauce using chopped tinned tomatoes, 1 onion grated, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves of garlic, splash of worcester sauce, 1/4 tsp chilli flakes ( optional) Brown the onion, add everything else and stir until bubbling, sorted and healthier and cheaper than a ready made sauce. 
• Rolls a bit stale, splash with water and pop in the oven for a few minutes, freshens them up lovely. 
• Bulk buy pasta and rice with your house mates, usually these items are much cheaper in bulk.

Going to university is going to be one of the most exciting times of your life, and you are no doubt full of excitement, worry and trepidation. This is completely normal and pretty much everyone else there is in the same boat.

Be organised 
Before you get to University do some research on what you will be studying, what your university is like and what your new city is all about. 
Be sure to check out your new student accommodation before moving in, this will help you settle in quickly. What do you need to take, look at getting Unistarterkits to deliver all your essentials to your accommodation ready for you when you get there. 
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Cleaning 
I know its boring and you have better things to do but you will need to clean your student accommodation at some point, including changing the bed linen.( I am looking at my son whilst writing this ) You don't need expensive cleaning sprays a wet cloth will do a good job of dusting, Buy a spray bottle and use baking soda and vinegar for general cleaning, clove oil and water is good at getting rid of mould in the bathroom. Cut up an old t shirt and use a cleaning cloths. Squeegee the shower after use to prevent water spots. Wax melts are a good safe way to make the room smell nice and open the window occasionally to get some fresh air in. Tidy room, tidy mind, it really does help with concentration and relaxation. Nothing beats getting into a nice crisp clean bed after a long day. 
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Be Social 
This may seem daunting at first but remember that most students at University will be feeling the same way. Check out what events are happening at your accommodation and University, also check out events in your new city. Join study groups and and social clubs that may interest you.
You will soon feel like you have been at University for ages. 

If you are getting ready to study in New Zealand, its time to get excited as this may be the best years of your life, meeting new people, doing things you have never done before, exploring new places and making memories.

Tips
Home Comforts
Leaving home for the first time can be scary so make sure to pack some items that remind you of home, it could be and old cuddly toy, photos, favorite blanket, even a body lotion that reminds you of home. Items from home should help you settle in quickly. 

Budget 
Moving out of the comfort of your family home means you will need to learn how to budget carefully, try not to spend all your student allowance in one month on takeaways and wine or beer. Getting a part time job will help and it will also assist in making friends. I worked in a café so had free lunches. Try and save a little bit of your money each week or month just so you have a little buffer incase of an emergency. You could club together with some other students in your accommodation on food as bulk can be cheaper, and cooking together is a great way to get to know others. Look online for cheap meal ideas. Getting your accommodation packs ordered before you start University will save you having to spend money when you arrive at your accommodation.

Weather
Research the weather at the city you will be studying in, North and South Island can have completely different weather at the same time. It is true that you can experience 4 different seasons in one day. Make you you research what the weather is generally going to be like before you move over and pack accordingly.  Don't forget your sunscreen as even on cloudy days the power of the sun can be dangerous, oh and insect repellant as sand flies are a nightmare.