SUCCESSFULLY managing your money at university is as important to your happiness as getting to grips with a new course, getting to know a new town and making new friends.

But there is no need to feel alone. Banks and building societies will help you order your finances and there are several things you can do to make your money go further.

Freshers week can be one non-stop party so drinking money is a must. Then you will find yourself having to pay for things that mum and dad usually take care of - books, food, clothes, bus fare and other day-to-day expenses.

No matter how tempting it may be, don’t splurge your student loan as soon as you get it. Be organised - find out when your accommodation and tuition fees need to be paid and work out how much you will have left after that is done.

Then work out how many weeks of term you need to survive and budget for any extras that may arise, such as train fares home, cinema and theatre trips and membership of university clubs or fitness clubs. You might consider taking a part-time job to earn some extra cash.

If you haven’t already done so, sort out your bank account as early as possible and set up student insurance so your belongings are covered. There are lots of other ways to help your money go further.

The university will have a second-hand bookshop where you can buy course texts and walk or cycle wherever possible to save on bus and train fares.

If you are self-catering, be canny with your food purchases. Shop at budget supermarkets or buy own-brand items. The end of the day is a great time to go food shopping. Foods up to their sell-by date are often discounted yet remain perfectly edible for a few more days. Make sandwiches to take in each day instead of buying lunch in the canteen.

Many restaurants, bars and shops in university towns also run deals and discounts for students, so by keeping your eyes open and using your common sense, you need not spend three years living in penury but can have fun and still have money in the bank.