The nights are drawing in, Christmas is coming, assignment deadlines are looming and your student loan is quickly running out.

But there are ways you can save money to keep you going until January, or if you’re lucky, the Ones to Watch grant in December.

Sell your old stuff on eBay – is your room at home full of junk you never use? Maybe you’ve got a stash of limited edition DVDs under your bed that are no use to you. Get them on eBay, particularly in the run up to Christmas when people are looking for gifts. You might not get a lot for certain items, but every pound counts, and it soon builds up. Don’t be worried either about being a new seller – you will soon build up your feedback rating if you provide a good service. Even if you think no one will want your item, just list it, you’ll be surprised what people look for.

Buy stuff on eBay – there are some great bargains to be found on eBay, clothes in particular. If you found something in a shop that you like, but it’s a bit too expensive, search for it on eBay, you’ll be surprised what you can find, at a snip of the price. Be sure to check out a seller’s refund and return policies if you’re unsure what size to buy.

Get cash for your old mobile phone – have you upgraded your mobile or bought a new one recently? What did you do with your old one? If it’s just taking up space in your bottom draw, then go to Envirofone.com and they will give you cash for your old mobile. What you get depends on the model of your phone, my old Samsung D900 fetched me £23.50, but if you’re not using your old phone, it’s money for nothing.

Shop Online – ASDA, Tesco, Sainsburys and Iceland all offer a home delivery service, try it out. You might even be able to find a free delivery voucher in the local press. How is this going to save me money you might ask? Well if you shop online you will simply buy what you’re after, your head won’t be turned by luxury items you don’t need, like it is when you shop in store. There are also better discounts online.

Buy store brands – why waste an extra pound on Coca-Cola when you can buy ASDA Cola for cheaper? It doesn’t taste THAT different, and the same applies to most things. In fact, in some cases, you may well find that you prefer the supermarket’s own brand.

Avoid designer labels – if you’re struggling for cash, is that expensive Louis Vuitton bag or Vivienne Westwood jacket really necessary? Economise, there are plenty of high street outlets that sell quality clothing at much cheaper prices. Most people can’t tell the difference between a designer label and a run of the mill item anyway!

Scrap take-outs and ready meals – a take away is convenient, as is a ready meal, particularly if you haven’t got a lot of time, but making your own meal from scratch is cheaper. Get ideas off the internet, and pick up the ingredients in your next online shop, you will save money.

Cancel your gym membership – if you use the gym on a regular basis, then fine. If not, you are just wasting money. You might as well burn the £40 a month you’re chucking away on it. If you want to keep fit, go for a jog. There are always cheaper ways.

Do you really need your car – at uni, everything is within walking distance. Do you really need to be wasting petrol stuck in traffic driving through Preston? If you leave your car at home, you will save on petrol and parking, you could even cut down your car insurance.

Say ‘no’ – if you’ve not got the money, it’s OK to say no to going on a long night out. Likewise, if you can only afford a drink or two, only go for a drink or two, don’t throw your money away trying to keep up with your peers, you can still have a good time.

There’s just a few ways of saving a few pounds. Are you saving money? Let us know by commenting below!