Some students make the mistake of applying for a student loan when university starts which is something that you should not be doing.

Applying early doesn’t lock you into anything. It just protects you from delays when rent and textbook costs suddenly come up. StudyLink applications can take weeks to process, and sometimes even longer if you end up having missing documents etc. This is why you need to apply early, so any problems or situations can be sorted out before the semester starts.

These are two different things, and StudyLink treats them differently.

• Living costs: weekly money for rent, food, transport
• Course-related costs: one-off money for textbooks, laptop, stationery

This is extremely common and does NOT mean your application failed.

StudyLink often asks for extra proof even when everything is correct. It usually means that there is something missing in your application, or the documents you have provided are not clear/what they asked for.

Payments rarely arrive the moment classes start. This catches a lot of students off guard.

Living costs often don’t arrive in your first week of uni, and that can catch a lot of students off guard, but it’s normal, not a mistake. StudyLink pays living costs in arrears, which means you study first and get paid for that time later. Depending on when your application is approved, your first payment may come in the second week or as a lump sum that covers earlier weeks. This is why it’s important to plan ahead if you can: having a small buffer, talking to your uni’s student hub, or arranging temporary support can ease stress in those first weeks. If payments feel delayed, it doesn’t mean something is wrong, it usually means your application is still processing, and support is available if you need help bridging the gap.

A RealMe account is something that you need to login to StudyLink, even as a first time student.

RealMe is a secure online login system used in New Zealand that lets you prove who you are when accessing government services, including StudyLink. Instead of creating separate usernames and passwords for each service, RealMe acts as one trusted digital identity that confirms it is really you. When you use RealMe, it protects your personal information and allows services like StudyLink to safely check your details, apply for student loans or allowances, and manage your account online without needing to visit an office in person.

One of the reasons why I made this website was not only to help students with navigating university, but also the other aspects and challenges that come with it. A problem that students often have when starting university is that they're in a new environment (thrown into the deep end!), and automatically expected to budget effectively. Not only that, we are expected to have savings after all our expenses. Getting financial independence is important for students, especially when they come out of university, so they can have their own savings to go towards investing, emergency funds, healthcare etc.

A common mistake students make is trying to budget too far ahead. Thinking in terms of a whole semester can feel overwhelming and unrealistic, especially when income and expenses fluctuate. Weekly budgeting is far more manageable and much closer to how money actually moves as a student. A simple weekly budget usually includes rent, groceries, transport, phone costs (like data), and a small buffer for unexpected expenses. That buffer matters more than people think and without it, even small surprises can cause stress. Budgeting isn’t about restricting yourself; it’s about knowing what you can spend without constantly worrying. It's also about gaining independence and not having to rely on others to help you out of a tough situation. This is a great setup for the future, where more things come in like mortgage payments, insurance costs etc.
Here's a budgeting guide to help you get started:
1: Know exactly what money you have coming in
Start by writing down all your regular income. This might include StudyLink living costs, a student allowance, wages from a part-time job, or help from family. Use the actual amount that lands in your bank account, not what you hope to earn. This gives you a realistic starting point and prevents over-budgeting.
Step 2: List your fixed weekly costs first
Fixed costs are expenses that usually don’t change week to week. Rent is the biggest one, followed by things like power, internet, phone bills, and transport passes. Add these up first, because this money is already “spoken for.” What’s left after this is what you can actually budget with.
3: Estimate your flexible spending honestly
Flexible costs include groceries, eating out, social spending, and personal items. Instead of guessing, look at your bank statements from the last few weeks to see what you actually spend. Many students underestimate this part, which is why budgets fall apart, and honesty here matters more than perfection.
Step 4: Create a small buffer (this is important)
Always leave a small amount unassigned each week if you can. This buffer covers unexpected costs like prescriptions, flat expenses, or last-minute transport. Even $20–$30 can reduce stress significantly. A budget without a buffer is fragile.
Step 5: Budget weekly, not monthly or semester-long
Weekly budgeting works best for students because most income and expenses happen weekly. It’s easier to adjust, easier to track, and less overwhelming. At the end of each week, do a quick check-in: did you overspend anywhere? Do you need to adjust next week?
Step 6: Track spending without judging yourself
Tracking isn’t about guilt, it’s about awareness. Whether you use an app, a spreadsheet, or just notes on your phone, write down what you spend for a couple of weeks. Patterns will show up naturally, and that’s how budgeting starts to feel easier. Step 7: Adjust as your situation changes
Your budget will change during the year with workloads increase, hours change, rent changes, or StudyLink payments shift. That’s normal. A good budget is flexible. If something stops working, it doesn’t mean you failed; it means it’s time to update it.
Step 8: Ask for help early if money feels tight
If you’re constantly stressed about money, talk to someone sooner rather than later. Student hubs, and budgeting services exist to help you before things reach crisis point. Using support is part of being financially responsible, not a sign of failure.

To get more information on Budgeting and Financial Independence for students, visit the Budgeting section