CREDIT: TUMBLR.COM
You know you’re on a student budget when you turn down the heat and put on oven mitts to keep warm.

In high school, the thought of college or university was nearly as exciting as Christmas morning. No longer living with your parents, no rules, eating whatever you like — what more could you want? Unfortunately it isn't always as glamorous as it sounds.

The biggest downside to being a student is a student's budget. I recently found myself wearing oven mitts around the house to keep warm because I refused to turn up the heat and spend my precious savings on my heating bill. My diet mostly consists of brown rice, because it's always on sale at the grocery store. Of course, there is the option of getting a part-time job, but it's hard to find your resume under the pile of essays you have to write.

But never fear, fellow students! There are some ways to stay within your budget while still keeping a bit of your sanity.

First off is to pack your own lunch. Break out the old lunch box, and fill it with essentials to get you through your day. If I had saved the money I spent on Pizza Pizza during first year, I could probably buy one of Brangelina's vacation homes. Keep an eye out for when your nearest grocery store is offering student discounts; that extra 10 per cent you save can go straight towards your Reading Week vacation fund.

Additionally, think twice before getting that new pair of jeans. I know you don't have them in red yet, but I promise that they will only gather dust in your closet.

Something that may come in handy is creating a priority list — a list of things you are willing to spend money on, and things you'd like to save for. For example, if One Direction tickets are at the top of your list (like mine), make sure your money isn't all going to latenight Chinese food deliveries… or heck, maybe Chinese food is at the top of your list!

Whatever your financial situation, be mindful of where your money is going. In the meantime, how much are you pitching for my One Direction tickets?