Learn
The following video is part of a “Budgeting” playlist. To watch the other videos of the series, click the playlist button.
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Resources: Blog Posts
Building a Budget
My Journey to Getting Better With Money by Keli
Learn some tips from one of our student staff on how to establish a spending baseline and build your budget.
Getting Better With Money: Methods and Techniques by Keli
Keli reflects on her own experience budgeting and describes what steps you should take to choose the right budgeting technique for you.
Student’s Perspective on Budgeting by Thao
Thao provides some helpful tips for students planning a budget for the first time.
Living on a Budget
Living on a Student Budget by Tristan
Tristan shares how to prepare yourself to live on a budget during a new school term and some money-making strategies for students.
Let’s Talk Personal Finance by Maitreyi
A thorough list of all the aspects of personal finance that you should think about as a university student.
Eating on a Budget
Eating Cheap by Kayla
A list of some cheap, budget friendly places to buy food when you are hungry on UBC campus.
3 Tips for Eating Cheaper without Cooking Every Meal by Minori
If you have been having a tough time budgeting your food allowance, Minori shares a few tips and recipes that will get you the most out of your money.
Other Resources
UBC Finances
UBC Student Services – Finances
Helpful resources provided by UBC focused around different elements of finances such as: bursaries and scholarships, financial emergencies, and financial wellness workshops.
A UBC provided fillable pdf where you can visualize all your expenses for the academic year divided by month.
UBC Student Services – Financial Planning
More resources focused specifically on building a financial plan, along with information on what a financial plan is.
Budget Worksheets and Calculators
A student budgeting worksheet created by the Government of Canada that was developed to go along with student loans.
A budgeting calculator from the Government of Canada where you can focus on specific goals such as budgeting with a specific amount of student loans or savings, debt repayment, or working towards a savings goal.
Peer Advice
Advice from the Chapman Learning Commons Staff
Kira | Economics and Math
“I think building a budget can seem really difficult at the start. I would recommend that you look at it as a way to gain more control over your life rather than as a burden. If you’re struggling, just start by noting down how much you spend on the basics, like rent, food, and school. Then you can go into more specifics in the future if needed.”
Aida | Political Science
“I use Excel and try to make [my budgeting sheet] as colourful as possible so that I keep wanting to add stuff instead of giving up the first month.”
Nana | Integrated Sciences
“Use an app to plan because you can easily lose track [of your budget.]”
Ozioma | Economics
“Have a set number in mind that you want to save. Have a set number in mind for spending, especially [for things that] usually cost a lot.”
Rosemary | Nutritional Sciences
“[I] budget on the meals I eat on campus. Usually, I bring food from home but sometimes I want to buy food. I found out about places like Fooood ($3 meals) and Sprouts ($4) in my last year which helped me save some money!”
Share your advice or ask us questions in the comments section down below!
