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Keeping costs down

On this page:

Concessions and discounts

Source Eligibility, applications and benefits
Culture card Victoria For: Benefits:
  • Special offers on sports, arts events and cultural attractions
  • Helps you access special events in the local community
Health Care Card For:
  • Most low income Australian tertiary students
  • Eligibility based on an income test over an 8 week period
  • Apply to Centrelink
Generally entitles holders to discounts on:
  • Certain prescription medicines
  • Dental, optical treatment and ambulance travel
  • Some utility bills (gas, electricity, water rates)
  • Fares on public transport
Monash Student ID card Reduced entry to movies, museums and art galleries
  • Ask for discounts when shopping for goods and services
Victorian Public Transport (VPT) travel concession card For:

This card gets you cheaper public transport fares
Software and computers The Monash University Software Catalogue lists:
  • What software is available for university staff and students
  • How software can be accessed
  • How software can be used
Infoxchange provides affordable IT services which includes selling recycled PCs.
Infoxchange is:
  • A not for profit community organisation
  • Based in Melbourne
Student associations For:
  • All students
  • Access welfare support
  • Free events, activities and food
Purchasing a card provides students with:
  • A range of on and off campus discounts

Saving

Spending less than you earn each week is challenging for many students.

You may need savings to meet unexpected costs or take up opportunities like studying abroad and travelling.

Investigate different offers from reputable banks and financial organisations.

Try to find suitable accounts which:

See saving and banking resources at the government's Money Smart site.

Tips for reducing spending

Expense Tips
Meals Make lunch instead of buying it

Cook meals at home

When making dinner, make enough so there are leftovers for lunch the next day
Grocery shopping Shop at markets, wholesalers
Clothes Shop at factory outlets, opportunity shops and markets
Entertainment Student clubs and societies are a great way to enjoy inexpensive activities

Attend free galleries, concerts and events

Borrow DVDs from the on-campus libraries
Transport Carpool to ease petrol and parking costs

Walk or cycle where possible
Furniture Check out Monash marketplace (via my.monash portal) and on-campus notice boards

Try the trading post, opportunity shops, garage sales
Insurances Insurances may seem expensive until you need the cover.

Shop around for suitable cover for large items such as cars, bikes, laptops and iPads, house and contents insurance

Take out ambulance membership - if needed, ambulance transport can be very expensive