Credit Crunch

With ever growing bills for rent, fees, food, drink and other student essentials, a recent Push poll shows students can expect to leave university £17,500 in debt.

Steve Burford

However, a Southampton Solent University graduate, Steve Burford, is aiming to show students how to actually leave university with money in the bank.

His website, wealthystudent.co.uk, developed as part of an entrepreneur training scene at the university, has just been shortlisted for a national award.

The 24 year old media writing graduate has been shortlisted for the Real World’s UK Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Steve came up with the idea for the site after graduating this summer with savings in the bank.  He said: "I wanted to share my experience with other students.  With the right part-time job and a bit of savvy it is possible to leave university in a good financial state." 

The website – which received more than 60,000 hits last month alone – offers cash-strapped students money-saving opportunities, ranging from burger and cinema vouchers to advice on where to bank their overdrafts, and the best places to find jobs.

It also offers a free online version of his newly published book, 'Defeat Student Debt'.

He added: "It is imperative that students get off to the best possible start at university.  The book and the site advise students on keeping outgoings low and increasing their income."

Steve received backing for the business from Southampton Solent University through the government funded Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education (SPEED) scheme, which offers entrepreneurial students business start-up training, mentoring and financial support while they are studying. 

He used the money to do an Internet Marketing course.  Meanwhile, another 65 students are currently signed up to the scheme, many on the verge of developing sustainable businesses.

Steve is now developing the site by recruiting local and national businesses to put vouchers and deals for students on the website - starting in Southampton and going nationwide next year.