The internet has a host of money-saving websites that every savvy student should bookmark.

First up are the main student portals, Aimhigher.ac.uk and ucas.ac.uk, both of which have comprehensive information on funding, as well as living-cost calculators to help you to set a budget.

If you are looking for a place to stay, www.accommodationforstudents.com lists thousands of options. The site features feedback on individual landlords and letting agents, as well as tables of average rents and students’ reviews of different areas.

Gumtree.com also lists flats and rooms for rent. The site’s free classifieds are a great starting point if you are looking to kit out your new place on a budget. Be sure to browse Freecycle.org, too, where people advertise items they no longer want and are willing to give away. These include furniture and appliances.

Comparison websites are another must-use and can help you to reduce your utility bills. The most established are uSwitch.com and moneysupermarket.com . You can also compare student current accounts at Find.co.uk .

Food can be a significant expense. Skipping supermarket ready-meals for some of the budget recipes at Studentrecipes.com can trim your spending and waistline. If you can’t resist prepacked, check out Freegan.info, which advises “Freegans” on liberating edible food from shops’ bins.

Social networking at Facebook.com can also be helpful. Students came together on the site last month to protest against HSBC’s decision to ditch interest-free overdrafts for new graduates. The campaign forced the bank to make a very public U-turn.

If you would like to travel in the holidays but do not think you have the money, visit Couchsurfing.org to contact thousands of people who may be willing to put you up for a few nights on a spare bed or sofa.