Students generally are short of cash. While you may be able to find a part time job and earn a small salary, it would be better to safe that for a holyday around the country. To save you need to do a little bit of planning. Here are ten tips for students to get the best value for money:

1. Make a list of groceries you need weekly and only buy the items on your list. Keep a note of items which run short each week and add to your list.
2. Have a meal before you go shopping. Hungry shoppers are tempted by snacks, which can cause holes in your budget.
3. Plan a weekly menu based on individual preferences, health and value for money.
4. Look in newspapers and ‘junk mail’ for weekly grocery specials and compare prices in shops and supermarkets in your area. Fruit and vegetables in season are much cheaper than those ‘out of season’. Check out this government website for Supermarket prices: http://www.grocerychoice.gov.au/
5. Beware of impulse buying. You are less likely to buy on impulse if you get to know where goods are placed on your local supermarket shelves. You will be less likely to find `things you don’t need`, tempting items while searching for needed products.
6. The cheapest brand may not always give the best value. Read labels carefully to compare contents, quantity and weight.
7. Always check the ‘Use by’ date. ‘Use by’ date is an indication of the freshness of the item. Some supermarkets offer low prices for (almost) out-of-date items, which could be an option if you plan to eat it the same day. However, be careful not to buy more than you need in perishable items such as meat and fresh vegetables. You may have to throw away most of it.
8. Supermarket shelves usually have the higher priced items placed at eye level. Check the lower shelves for cheaper products of similar quality.
9. Check with other students for information regarding the best places to shop for certain goods. Check out this website for independent advice: http://www.choice.com.au or these websites for price comparisons: http://www.getprice.com.au ; http://www.shopbot.com.au/
10. Get together with friends and form a food cooperative. This can result in lower prices for you. For example some butchers offer cheaper prices for bulk orders of meat.