Running up some debt as a student seems to be inevitable. Sure, there are those savvy kids who stay at home, get a job and somehow manage to save pennies while they're studying. And that can happen. But let's look at the norm here. You're probably going to take out your student loan, and if we're being realistic you're not going to spend it all wisely.

So now we've got that out of the way, how do you stop that debt from spiraling out of control?

• Pay your rent. First thing you do. Because once you've paid your rent, you know how much money you have to blow on cheap beer in the student union.

• Get a job. Not a full-time one (don't be stupid, you'll kill yourself within three months). But about 20 hours a week should do it. That amount of time mounts up into a good wedge of cash, but it doesn't cut a huge hole out of your week. You'll also find that if you're not lounging around with all of this free time, you'll work harder, because you'll have to manage your time better.


• Get the necessary paperwork. You don't have to pay council tax unless you're living with someone who isn't a student (and even then the bill isn't your responsibility). Make sure your local council knows you're a student - you can get a form from your University and get it sorted. It's much easier than trying to get your money back from the council. Trust me.


• Don't sign up for insurance from the company who sets up camp when you move into halls. Get yourself a few quotes and find one that's right for you. Don't just go for the easy option. But do get cover. Especially if you're living in halls. You won't know half the people coming and going if there's ten of you to a flat.


• Don't borrow unless you have to. You don't have to take the whole amount of your student loan. You don't have to get an overdraft. And you shouldn't be tempted to do either - you'll only have to pay it back. It's not free money.


• Look after your stuff. Seems simple, but if you take care of your things, you won't need to buy new stuff. So keep your place tidy and stop spilling spaghetti sauce all over your books.


• Speaking of books, if you can, don't buy them new. There are heaps of second hand book shops around campuses, and you'll find a lot of previous students looking to offload their old text books. It's worth doing this at the end of the third year as well - you'll never read them again once you finish.


• Don't get tempted. It's all too easy to get caught up in the fun of University. Going out every night can be fun, but once you've gone overdrawn you're stuck.

I'd love to stay set a budget and stick to it, but I don't know anyone who ever managed that at University. But think about what you're buying. If you get yourself a job, and put rent and bills first, you should still have money left over to have fun. Remember, that's half the fun of being a student. Don't try and save money by never going out - you're missing out on the best parts of University life.