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Managing money as a student

New place, new bills, same you. Here’s how to keep your budget healthy and your life on track.

By Brooke Le Poer Trench

  • Moving into a new stage of life often comes with new bills and financial responsibilities, from studying costs to everyday expenses.
  • Understanding where your money is going – and using tools to budget, track discounts and plan cash flow – can help you stay in control.
  • Building good money habits early, including budgeting, saving and checking your super, can help set you up for long-term financial confidence.

How should I manage my school fees?

First, get clear on how you’ll be paying them. Are your fees covered by a HECS-HELP loan? Are you paying some upfront? Do you have a scholarship or subsidy? Once you know the how, find out the when. For education expenses, Money Plan in the CommBank app can help you set up a category budget just for these costs so you can easily track where you’re at. For a student loan like HECS-HELP, confirm when repayments kick in (usually once your income hits a certain level) so you can plan your cash flow and avoid any nasty surprises.

What student discounts and benefits am I eligible for?

You’d be surprised how many perks come with being a student. Make sure your student ID is linked to your public transport card and check out student pricing from brands like Apple, Adobe and Spotify. CommBank’s Benefits finder tool in the app can help you uncover rebates, discounts and payments you might be eligible for. With a CommBank Everyday account, you can access CommBank Yello, a recognition program that gives eligible customers access to cashbacks and discounts.

How do I manage my money when I move out of home?

Moving out is exciting but between rent, bills, groceries and nights out, your money can disappear fast. The trick is to build a budget that fits you. Start by listing what’s coming in (like pay or study payments) and going out (rent, food, transport). Then, try planning with the 50:30:20 split: 50 per cent for needs, 30 per cent for wants, 20 per cent for savings – but adjusted to suit your life. And if you tend to overspend, consider setting limits for things like dining out or clothes using Category budgets in the CommBank app.

Why does super matter when I’m young?

Super might sound like something for future you but that’s exactly why it matters – the earlier you contribute, the more time your money has to grow. Start by logging into your super account (or checking myGov) to see your balance and where your money’s invested. If you’ve had a few jobs, you may have multiple accounts – combining them can save you paying extra fees. Make sure your employer’s paying the right amount (it’s currently 12 per cent of your pay) and take a peek at your fund’s performance and fees. A small difference there can add up over time.

Try this

Set up an automatic transfer to savings the day you get paid. If you don’t see it, you won’t spend it.

Learn about student banking

Find helpful resources for new and current students alike.

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Published: 4 February 2026

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An earlier version of this article was published in Brighter magazine. 

This article provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, and whether the product is appropriate to your circumstances. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.