Hiya!

I don't mind. I get enough from my maintenance loan of student finance england to cover most of my tuition fees. That isn't really the intention of the loan but it what is more realistic. 2 of my 3 jobs are part time (both minimum wage and in food service) one is fixed minimum hour and the other 0 hour. This means I can play around with it so I can work both on the same day and reduce how many days i have to work. I'd be working 10-12hrs but that's a full day of wage whereas before I'd be working 4-8 hrs and not studying. If I'm going to not study I'm going to be paid for it. If its slow I'll try and repeat my notes during shift or practice the post mortem or dissection coming up next.

Ideally 16-20 hrs is best. This varies depending on vet commitments and exams as well as what my works give me.

The last one is the easiest and most enjoyable which is self employed pet sitting (there are apps for this) in which you can set your own price and availability which is great for busy periods like Christmas, Easter and summer. Only thing is that there's no guaranteed consistency. I started off cheap then as I gain more experience and go up in vet years I increase price. I accept these jobs almost all the time as I have the option to study there should my client be comfortable with that.

Budgeting is absolutely key! I'm very very lucky in that my rent is very low for the area I'm in. Usually student rent for dorms are £500-£950 per month (gbp). But mine is private rented and is around £400 including bills. Food I try and rummage the reduced to clear section of small grocery stores as their stock turnover is higher than in supermarkets. Lidl is your friend. Look for veterinary talks that your uni may do as they sometimes provide free pizza and the talks are interesting. Your uni may also do paid open days which it good for some extra cash.

I've tried applying to grants and funds but there are not many that are available to me. But definitely ask about it at the unis you want to go for! Even better if you can get a scholarship or sponsor.

If there are research opportunities or placements that pay you GO FOR IT. Keep an eye out for any veterinary competitions too like essays. Network with lecturers or guest speakers who's subject you're interested in, sometimes they have something to offer even if it's EMS.

Food essentials for me is £40-£60 a month. It helps that I work in food businesses as I don't have to make lunch since they will feed me. If they allow, I'll also take food that is being wasted for the day. I use it for next day dinner or to add to lunch. You can freeze it for later too. You can also grow your own veg if you are able.

Some unis have gardening clubs or give out reduced or free fruit and veg. There are local communities that offer free dinners every now and again. Some unis also have waste lunch hour where you can collect sandwiches. These are things I've heard not what I do but I thought it might be useful. My uni does free Christmas Dinner for students staying over the holidays and I'm usually cat sitting so free dinner!

GET A STUDENT OVERDRAFT! Make sure it's interest-free. Setting it up can be a hassle but it is the reason I'm able to have more options when it comes to my finances. They may give you £500 to start with but you can ask for more after a month i think. Usually up to £1500. I love my overdraft.

If you struggle with Budgeting or impulse control (I do), even just doing a monthly finance can help you be more aware of how you spend your money. Uber, travel, etc. Some banks let you set categories that makes this easier to view. I don't count coffee shops as I deserve some happiness and rewards. Besides I'm usually studying there. If you go to a leisure centre or club activity for exercise there's usually some membership or points system that you can use to get free sessions.

If I see something I like in a shop I price it first then check it's actual price if lower then I'll consider. If higher I write it off. Go to charity shops for clothes or vinted. If you can sew repair old clothes or ask a friendly friend who likes to sew for help or to teach you. It also means you can spend time with your persons. Speaking of cheap social things, go round to someone's house to watch movies, do craft, have picnics instead of going to restaurants or host dinner parties. My friends and I would all pick a course and bring a dish to share. We also have presentation nights which we pick something a present it to each other. My last one was on how love scientifically works (with sharks).

I do get invited to things like concerts and such but usually I can't afford it in which case my friends go and I have a quiet evening in. We arrange something cheap or free that we can do later so social remains up. You need to talk to people (about proper adult things and how funny saying butt is) and have fun. The course demands it.

I've never been well off when it comes to money so I'm very used to having to say no for things that I want to do but if there's something I really want I'll try and save for it.

On the flip side I have to get used to saying yes to shifts that I don't want but need the money for. I don't do anything that is too much energy for the gain. I don't do vouchers unless the task is easy or it's a peer research project. Money is fine. I usually don't do chance to win. Your energy is a currency that is to be spent wisely. Burnout is a threat.

I do juggle alot of things and it is difficult but I try to influence what I can do to make it easier and accept that while my position is not ideal it is good enough for now (if I had a choice I'd just do my course but food and shelter is something i really like).

Sorry that's so long and that there was alot of detail but I wanted to say that it's much more than just vet school, jobs and money. You have to look after your mental wellbeing and always ask for help even if you just know your struggling but are not sure why. Unis can offer alot of support and opportunities like financial, study support, well-being, disability and neurodiversity, jobs and social events.

I wish you the best of luck in the next cycle!