False economy

It's a horrible feeling. You're on the bog, business done, and youreach for the loo roll. But the paper isgrainy, harsh against your skin.

Waferthin, it disintegrates at your touch and you end up using six pieces wherethree should be enough. The moral of thestory; sometimes cheap just isn't worth it!

It might seem logical that students buybudget brands. Loo roll is a necessity,but that doesn't mean you need the luxury kind, with soft quilted feel,advertised by the cute puppy.

The price differencehas got to be worth a vodka mixer at least.

Yet budget isn't always best. Paying less really can be a false economy.

Low-price stores might claim their own brandcoke is as good as the real deal, but it will usually taste like something a chemistry studentconcocted.

And unless eating theequivalent of edible cardboard appeals to you, I'd stick with slightly priciercereals. Its called Special K for a reason!

Cleaning products are another place whereprice really does paint an accurate picture.

Cheap washing up liquid is often watery, budget detergent won't keepyour whites sparkling.

False economy as some things may be, yourstudent loan will only stretch so far, and there are loads of ways to save cashwithout cutting quality.

It's a horrible feeling. You're on the bog, business done, and you reach for the loo roll. But the paper is grainy, harsh against your skin.

Jennifer Lipman

Basic products,like sugar, salt, paper towels and tissues are perfect points toeconomise.

Equally, buy some sturdyplastic containers to keep food in - you'll save a bundle on foil or cling wrapand its probably better for the environment as well!

Another tip is to buy individual fruit andveg. It might add 2 minutes on to yourshop to put the apples in the bag, but they'll definitely be cheaper than thepre-packaged selection, and most likely fresher too!

Whatever parents might think, books are a hugeexpense. Save money by buying used ornew on www.play.com. Delivery is free on everything; the downsideis postage is sometimes longer.

Of course, the biggest student expense isusually alcohol. But cheap spirits arehugely underrated; mixers will normally overpower the paint strippertaste.

Or, make skittle vodka . . . dropa bag into the bottle, leave a couple of hours and voila - shots have neverbeen so sweet!

And, being honest, aftera few drinks its not like you really taste your drink anyway!

Ultimately, false economy is entirelysubjective. But as you reach for yourbudget loo roll later, you might like to consider whether some sacrifices areworth making.