How to plan for life after GCSEs & A-Levels

Whether you’re a school leaver or finishing A-Levels, taking the next step can feel like a big one – especially when it comes to managing your money.

Results day is just around the corner, and thousands of GCSE and A-Level students across the UK are waiting to find out what their next step might be. For many, those grades will help shape what comes next.

Whether you plan on heading to sixth form, college, university, taking on an apprenticeship, or straight into work – we’ve rounded up some practical money-saving tips to help get you started on the right foot!

Save on Transport

If you’re travelling to college, work or uni, transport costs can add up quickly. Luckily, there are ways to cut these down:

16-25 Railcard

If you’re aged 16 to 25 or a full-time student, the 16-25 Railcard is a must-have for saving money on train travel! It costs just £30 a year or £70 for three years, and gives you 1/3 off most rail fares across the UK, including standard and off-peak tickets. It’s ideal for getting to college, uni, weekend trips or visits home.

If you open a student bank account with Santander, you can even get a free 4-year railcard, saving you even more. That alone can be worth over £100 in travel savings!

Bus Passes & Travelcards

Getting around by bus is usually the cheapest travel option – and it’s even better with a student pass. Most local transport providers offer discounted student fares or term passes. For example:

• Arriva Student Saver: Unlimited travel in your chosen zone, with flexible weekly, monthly or term-time passes.
  
• Stagecoach Unirider: Ideal for students travelling regularly to uni or college, with discounts up to 50% off normal fares.

Check your local bus provider or council website for options in your area – some offer extra discounts if you pay for a term or year in advance.

Student Oyster Card (London)

If you’re studying in London, you’ll want to apply for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. It gives you 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes, making your daily commute much cheaper!

You’ll need to be enrolled at a registered London college or university and travel regularly on TfL services. It costs £20 to apply, but you’ll quickly make that back if you use the Underground or buses often. Pair it with pay-as-you-go contactless travel to manage your budget more easily.

How to Save on Tech

If you need a new laptop, tablet, headphones or accessories for school, college or uni, planning ahead is the best way to save money. Tech is a big investment, so here’s how to get the best value for your money:

Shop in September

Don’t feel pressured to buy your new tech in August. Many retailers launch Back to School sales in early September, especially as uni terms begin. That’s often when the biggest discounts land. Shop around, especially at the likes of Curry’s, Argos, Very or AO.com for the best deals. Or, if you can hold out, Black Friday is a great time for discounted tech.

Keep an eye out for short-term deals and clearance sales on last year’s models – especially just after big brand launches!

Use your Student Discount

Being a student comes with some advantages – like exclusive discounts at selected stores. All you need to do is register a student on a platform like UNiDAYS or Student Beans.

Some of the top student tech savings include:

• Apple: Up to 10% off MacBooks, iPads, and accessories + free Apple gift cards during uni promos.
• HP: Up to 35% off for students via the HP Student Store.
• Dell: Save 20% on selected laptops with a verified student account.
• Lenovo: Student-only offers and free upgrades are available through their student store.
• Currys: Extra student discounts through Student Beans, plus frequent voucher codes available on our page.

Choose Refurbished Tech for Big Savings

If you’re on a tighter budget, consider refurbished tech. These items are professionally checked, cleaned and repaired, so you get a device that works like new, at a fraction of the cost!

Trusted sites include:

• Back Market: Offers refurbished phones, laptops and tablets with a one-year warranty.
• Music Magpie: Ideal for budget-friendly iPads, phones and MacBooks.
• Laptop Outlet: Student-friendly prices on refurbished and clearance tech.
• Amazon Renewed: A wide selection of tested and approved tech with guarantees.

Choosing second-hand can knock hundreds off the price of popular models. Just make sure to check the warranty and condition before buying.

Stay Connected Without Overpaying

If you’re about to start college, university or an apprenticeship, chances are you’ll be managing your own mobile phone plan for the first time. With so many options out there, it’s easy to overpay, especially if you’re not sure what you need.

Here’s how to keep costs down:

Look for SIM-only student deals

If you already have a phone, a SIM-only plan is the most cost-effective way to stay connected. These deals don’t tie you into long contracts and often come with rolling monthly options, which are ideal if your budget or needs change.

Networks to look out for:

• VOXI: Offers unlimited social media data and flexible 30-day plans, perfect for students.
  
• Giffgaff: Affordable monthly bundles with no contracts, plus extra data rewards for loyal users.
• SMARTY: Clear pricing and great student offers, including money off for unused data.

These are all worth considering over more long-term contracts, especially if you’re on a tight budget!

Avoid overpaying for data

Before signing up for a plan, work out how much data you use. If you’re mostly on Wi-Fi at home, college or uni, you might not need a big data allowance.

But if you’re often on the go and scrolling social media, streaming music or using maps, look for plans that include:

• Unlimited social media usage: Offered by VOXI and some EE plans.
• Data rollover: So you don’t lose what you don’t use (offered by SMARTY)
• Capped spending limits: To avoid unexpected charges
  

And don’t forget, most networks now offer perks like discounted streaming services, data boosts and reward schemes, so keep an eye out for extras that could help you save in the long run!

Fashion on a Budget

Whether you’re starting college, uni or a new job, there’s often a pressure to update your wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune.

Use Student Discounts

If you’re a student, make the most of your exclusive discounts with brands like ASOS, Boohoo, New Look, JD Sports, and PrettyLittleThing. Signing up with UNiDAYS or Student Beans gives you access to regular promo codes and limited-time offers across fashion, footwear, accessories and more.

Some stores even stack these student deals on top of sale prices – meaning you can enjoy even bigger savings at checkout. It’s worth checking NetVoucherCodes too, as we often have extra student codes that aren’t widely advertised.

Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Before splashing out on lots of trend pieces, try building a capsule wardrobe. This means investing in staple items you can mix and match, like neutral tops, comfy jeans, versatile trainers and a good coat.

Not only does this keep your wardrobe practical and wearable every day, but it also saves money in the long run. You’ll find great quality basics at stores like H&M, M&S, and Zara, all of which often run seasonal sales and offers.

Shop Second-Hand

If you’re up for hunting down a bargain, second-hand fashion is where it’s at. Apps like Vinted, Depop and eBay are packed with used or brand-new clothes at much lower prices than the high street.

I’ve picked up designer trainers on Vinted for under £40 and sold old clothes to fund new ones. It’s a great way to stay on-trend while being sustainable.

Want even more fashion savings? Browse our student discount collection on NetVoucherCodes for the latest codes and deals on clothes, shoes, and more.

Managing Your Money

Becoming more independent means being able to manage your money. We’re not saying you need to be a financial whiz, but being able to budget your loans or income in order to pay your bills and still enjoy the things you love is essential. The last thing you want as a student is to creep into debt that will have a knock-on effect in your adult life. Being able to budget & manage your finances is crucial.

Try App-Based Banks

Monzo and Starling are two examples of some great banking options for students. Their apps make it easy to track your spending, set budgets, and organise your money into different pots –  so you’re not dipping into your lunch money for weekend plans. They also send instant spending notifications, so it’s easier to stay on top of things. NatWest, Santander, Halifax and more UK banks also have great options for students, so it’s worth exploring these too.

Split and Save

Once your student loan or wages are deposited into your account, try splitting it straight away. Keep your travel, lunch, and essentials in separate pots from things like eating out or clothes shopping. That way, you always know what’s safe to spend, and what needs to last the week!

Track your Spending

Both Monzo and Starling automatically categorise your purchases, so you can quickly see if you’re spending a little too much on coffee or clothes. Seeing where your money goes makes it easier to cut back when needed and gives you more control over your cash.

Consider an Apprenticeship

Uni isn’t for everyone, and apprenticeships can be a brilliant alternative. You’ll gain real-world experience, build up your CV, and get paid for your time! Not to mention earn an income.

No Tuition Fees

Unlike university, you won’t pay a penny for training. Your employer and the government cover all the costs, which could save you tens of thousands in tuition fees!

Earn while you Learn

You’ll earn a wage from day one. In 2024, the minimum wage for apprentices is £6.40 per hour (for under 19s or those in their first year), but many employers pay more. You’ll still get holidays, sick pay, and benefits like any other employee.

Avoid Student Debt

Choosing an apprenticeship means no student loan and no repayments hanging over your head after graduation. Over the course of your lifetime, this could save you over £45,000 compared to a typical university path. It’s worth exploring what’s available on the official gov.uk apprenticeship site.

Whatever path you’re taking after your exams, planning and managing your money can help you feel more in control. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just small changes (like using a voucher code or downloading a free railcard app) can make a big difference. Good luck with whatever’s next, and don’t forget to bookmark NetVoucherCodes for offers and tips to help along the way!