Hi, how I can save money and make money while in university? Really thinking of getting through university without relying on my parents as I don't wish to add on to their expenses?

Hey there! It is definitely possible as I completed mine the same way! Here is what I did:

1. Timetable

Always plan your timetable properly. Assuming that the system hasn't changed, you are always able to know the timings for the modules before you bid for it. As a result, try to plan your schedule in a way such that you have more free days whenever possible.

Thereupon, you can use the free days to work part-time, e.g. barista at Starbucks

2. Tuition

Consider using what you know and put it to good use by teaching tuition. It doesn't matter whether it is at a tuition centre or private tutor. So long as it pays, go for it. It can be academic subject across any level.

3. Holiday

Maximise the value of your holiday by either working part-time for a month or to use the time to take up extra modules to graduate earlier.

4. Cashflow

All things considered, it will always be valued to have a complete understanding on our cashflow. Through this process, we will understand our earning ability and spending habit. Here is a guide to help you: https://www.blog.pzl.sg/understanding-your-pers...

This way, we can understand our earning ability and try to maximise it whenever possible (e.g. during holiday) and to reduce your expenses whenever possible.

5. Budget

Create a budget that is capable of helping you to plan for your school. The best way to do this is via automation and this is how I do mine: https://www.blog.pzl.sg/how-to-create-a-monthly...

With all these done, I am pretty confident that you will survive well. By the way, my maximum allowance that I have set for myself was $350 monthly back then. See if you can beat mine! 😉

Here is everything about me and what I do best.

Internships - gain experience & some extra cash (best of both worlds!)

Be a private tutor

Be a part time/weekend event promoter

Get a long term part time/weekend role - such as telemarketer, clinic assistant, sales assistant

Eat out lesser

Do freelance projects - if you have a certain skill, such as designing, web coding or photography

Be a tour guide during weekends or school holidays ​​​

NTU often sends out emails offering part time work that requests for student helpers. Being a research university, there are many professors that seek to conduct studies and are willing to pay students to participate in their experiments, depending on the duration. Do check your student email from time to time!

I had my meals mostly within the university compound and food expenses were low. For the semester I would work part time. During the holidays, I would look for full time internships in industries I am interested in. So I can earn money and beef up my resume. As a result of one of my internships, I received a full time offer before even graduating.