Students' gateway to Campus

Managing and avoiding debt

Deakin Financial Assistance can help

If you are in need of assistance in managing your debt and finances, we recommend that you contact Deakin Financial Assistance in the Division of Student Life.

Deakin Financial Assistance provides advice and information on student loans, government student assistance, budgeting, tax and most matters relating to student finances.   The University provides interest free loans, grants, and emergency food and travel vouchers for students who are in financial need.

You are encourage to explore the Deakin Financial Assistance site for additional advice including:

General financial assistance A-Z including:

  • Awards and Prizes
  • Financial assistance and schemes for students with a disability 
  • Grants
  • Transport Concession Card
  • Vouchers

Government financial assistance including:

  • Bond assistance
  • Centrelink (including Youth Allowance)
  • Health Care Card
  • Rural Tertiary Hardship Grants

Budget planner

The best method of assessing your financial needs is to have a budget. A budget planner will help you prepare for the coming year. You can ensure that you don’t run out of money for those important things that you need to pay for during the year.  Deakin’s student-focused online budget planner gives you an overall picture of your money; where it is coming from
(e.g. Centrelink, Job, parents, savings) and how you are spending it (e.g. texts, mobile phone, transport, with friends).

Deakin Financial Assistance has created a free online planner which is created specifically for students.  

 

Costs to keep in mind

Costs associated with Uni don’t just involve fees!  You should consider living expenses, books, transport. Careful budget planning is important for uni students. Deakin Financial Assistance can provide advice.

Financial preparation for placement/practicum
As part of your course you may be required to undertake a placement or participate in experiential learning. There can be additional costs associated with this and it is good to be prepared. If your course has a placement component you should consider:
•    where the placement will be and whether you will need to pay for accommodation and living expenses

  • whether additional travel expenses will be involved
  • if you have the right clothes (you want to be making the right impression) and if you will need to buy appropriate clothing
  • whether you will need your own specialised equipment
  • additional child care – if you normally pay for child care for 3 days and placement is 5 then you will need additional arrangements,

Finding out at the beginning of the year if you will be facing these expenses allows you to budget and plan your purchases without having to borrow. For tips on budgeting, contact Deakin’s Financial Assistance in Student Life.

Buying a computer and technology equipment
One of the expenses many students face at commencement of University studies is the purchase of a computer and related technologies. Deakin University works in an online environment and all students are required to have computer access. We provide on site technology laboratories for students to use.

If you are looking to buy technology equipment shop around and keep an eye out for specials and sale items. To assist you with buying the right package details of recommended computer standards for Deakin students are available. Software and applications are available from the Deakin Software Library or from the 'Software essentials DVD' sent out to all new off-campus students. All other students can pick up a free copy of the DVD from campus Libraries, DSA, DUSA or the Disability Resource Centre.

There are a number of not for profit companies who sell refurbished PC's from government and business organisations to students. For example, Green PC's have recycled personal computers that are refurbished and repackaged into usable, Internet-ready computers, and then made available to low-income communities, individuals and community organisations. The only qualification for an individual or family to have access to a Green PC computer is that they be holders of a current Health Care Card or are able to verify low income status in some other way.

Deakin University Library fines
The library has a process for overdue items and penalties. For further information and tips to avoid overdue items, penalties and encumbrances see 'borrowing information for students'.

HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP
The Going to Uni website is a source for prospective and continuing higher education students.

It is provided and maintained by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. There is information about the Higher Education Loan Schemes such as HECS -HELP and FEE-HELP. Fees, loans, scholarships and other essential information to assist in making decisions about higher education in Australia.

University fees and costs
At Deakin University, the Division of Student Administration (DSA) provides information on general fees and costs.

If you are unable to meet a fee payment, you are encouraged, in the first instance, to contact the DSA Customer Services team. The Customer Service team is able to answer your queries in relation to fees and charges and can assist you to identify the steps you need to take.

 

Options for creating an income to support you

Part time work – Jobshop can assist
Jobs provide you with income, social contacts, experience and much more. If you are looking for part time, full time, casual or ongoing work, consider looking at Deakin Jobshop.

Often, whilst studying, working is essential - as is having a balance outside of University life. The getting a balance in your life information on the Counselling and Personal Development website, can help you succeed in all areas whilst studying at Deakin.

Government financial assistance
Find out if you are eligible for financial assistance from the Government

Other ways to save money
Think about ways that you can save money as a Deakin student. Some ideas include:

  • books: look for second hand textbooks  (bookshop / online / uni noticeboards)
  • banking:  many banks have fee free banking for students
  • health: bulk billing is available at Deakin Medical Centres
  • food: shop at markets, bring lunch to uni
  • transport:  If you are driving, buy petrol on the cheap day of the week and buy a yearly parking permit.  Travelsmart provides information alternative ways to get to university including carpooling and public transport. Metlink  provides Student Concession Cards that entitle students to concession fares for all train, tram and bus services. Terms and conditions, eligibility requirements and a downloadable application form, are available at Metlink.
  • on campus purchases: use Deakin Card for discounts / pick up coffee loyalty cards from on campus cafes
  • Entertainment: Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) offers discounts for members
  • BUDGET! Use Deakin’s online budget planner

 

Advice from Consumer Affairs

Consumer Affairs provide factsheets and publications about managing and avoiding debt, tenancy rights and tips on saving money.

 

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

25th July 2011