Tarik's top 10 money saving tips

As part of my commitment to helping students save money check out my top 10 money saving tips below.

• For students wanting to call Student Finance England at a local rate number instead of using the 0845 number, call on 0141 243 3600. It’s much cheaper. For other numbers check out www.saynoto0870.com

• Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get free IT (Microsoft/Adobe) training which leads to certification and becoming a specialist at the program. Normally this service would cost you around £600 outside University but as you’re a student at Westminster you’ll get it for free. Visit the University intranet to sign up here.

• If you’re looking to either save or make money www.listmyunibooks.com is the site to sell and buy your University course books at a discounted price.

• To get the latest deals and amazing offers on a range of things, from cheap flights to free Odeon Cinema tickets sign up and receive e-mails from Martin Lewis on the MoneySavingExpert website here.

• Get TV legally WITHOUT a licence (or at least get 1/4 off it) If you're happy to watch stuff a bit delayed, you don't need a TV licence for watching on-demand over the net. If your parents have Sky then you can get Sky GO for your laptop - 32 channels, TV and movies on demand, even sports. All free. Get a cable to hook your laptop to your TV and we're talking a lot of free viewing on no spend. If you do have a licence make sure you claim one quarter back for the three summer months you're probably not in your house or halls.

• If you’ve never budgeted before but you’d like to know one method? Why not try ‘The Iron Budget.’ It basically means that if you decide on going out, you just take the amount of cash you plan on spending and nothing else i.e. no debit/credit cards etc. This method casts your evening budget in iron - it cannot be broken.

• For your fantastic student deals and discounts visit www.studentbeans.com Trust me you won't regret it! 

• Ever thought about working at the place you like shopping at? French Connection offers a 40% discount to its staff; however the best places to get a job if you find yourself spending your cash there are The Body Shop, Republic, New Look and Lush - all have a 50% staff discount.

• If you’re looking to pick up free stuff from people around London who no longer want it, join up to a local group on Freecycle.org and get your freebies today.

• Last but not least, get familiar with the KISS method of saving money. KISS (Keep. It. Simple. Stupid.) Simple money saving ideas can be the most effective; make a shopping list, buy supermarket own brands, make a packed lunch, ride your bike. We all know these tips, but in our excitement we forget, so try your best not to forget and remember: if you're skint, ask - do I need it? Can I afford it? And if you're not skint, ask yourself will I use it? Is it worth it?