In An Age Of Photo-Realistic Graphics, Why Do We Still Love Card Games?

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Just this summer, the video card manufacturer Nvidia unveiled a new technology that finally made the holy grail of photorealistic gaming possible. The technology, ray tracing, accurately plots the path of individual light rays, bouncing them off surfaces in 3D environments, making shadows and textures far more convincing than when using conventional rendering techniques. It was a giant step forward, and finally brought us to the cusp of the era of photo-realistic gaming; fantastic news for the existing video game industry, as well as emerging technologies like VR.

But despite the impressive improvement in graphics technologies, many “gamers” are finding themselves drawn back to simpler times. Rather than investing in big budget video games, they find the allure of simple cards much more appealing. What’s going on?

When the Witcher 3 released in 2014, reviewers praised the game’s immersive environment, compelling storyline, and beautiful quests. But read the reviews carefully, and you soon discover that almost all of them talk about Gwent - a card game within the overall game - speaking of its addictiveness and depth. CD Projekt Red - the game’s developers - say that they introduced Gwent as a side activity, hoping that people might enjoy it. But they didn’t realise just what a reaction it would provoke. Seasoned game reviewers who had been pumped for the main title found themselves obsessing over which cards they had collected and who they’d beaten. For some, it became a passion, and they were driven to collect all the cards in the game and construct the most powerful decks possible.

Other game developers have cottoned onto this phenomenon. Blizzard, for instance, created Hearthstone during a dry spell for the company, mainly as an experiment. The game, however, has since become one of the most popular, with millions of players logging on to do battle all over the world. Yes, it’s pretty, but it’s not exactly cutting-edge graphics.

Many Gamers Began With Cards

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Perhaps the reason for the success of card games, in video form or not, is that they help take gamers back to a time when they first discovered fantasy gaming. Many were brought up on the d100 dice from Dungeons and Dragons, or the innumerable strategies of Magic: The Gathering, and want to relive those heady days. Some couldn’t afford expensive gaming computers in the early days and had to make do with their physical analogues.

But there is something more profound about card games which just can’t be emulated in real-time combat situations. Turn-based games create strategy in a way that continuously-played games cannot.

The ancients knew this, of course. Both Go and chess use turns to generate strategic action. So too do other great video games in history, most notably the Civilization series, and some of the Final Fantasy games. In Civilization, the turn-based nature of the game means that players have to think carefully a number of steps ahead and take into account what their enemies are doing. In Final Fantasy, the space of possibilities is smaller, but the principle remains - combat choices depend heavily on predictions of what opponents will do next.

It’s this predictive nature of turn-based games that makes them so appealing. You never really know what’s going to happen because you don’t know your opponent’s hand or how they make decisions. But ultimately, you can refine your strategy to outwit other players, even though you may fail on the odd occasion.

Card Games Become A Cult Classic

There’s also the fact that some card games are becoming cult classics and collectables. People love to complete their Warhammer or other tabletop gaming collections, just as they do other things. Shops now dedicate themselves to providing a wide selection of gaming materials, ideal for even the geekiest of players.

Warhammer is an interesting example. Over the years, game developers have created numerous real-time strategy games based on the original franchise. And although those games are successful, they still haven’t built the cult following that the table top versions have. Warhammer is a classic example of a game that never had to go digital. There’s still a place for physical objects in today’s gaming landscape.

Card Game Bring People Together Physically

Read any business blog, and you’ll encounter experts who talk of the importance of physical proximity, even in an age of free video telephony. Card gamers will tell you a similar story. Yes, they love playing Overwatch and Battlefield with randoms on the internet, but they also like getting together with friends and just playing a round of cards. It’s the being together that’s as important as the game itself.

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In the old days, a simple LAN party would suffice. But with such convenient online gaming, the last thing that people want to do is lug heavy gaming equipment around to their friends’ houses. Much better to pack a box of cards and props, and have fun the old-fashioned way.

The Explosion Of Card Game Options

The number of options, both digital and physical, for keen card gamers has increased dramatically over the last few years, with themes ranging from high fantasy to space. Star Realms, for instance, is based on fleets of spaceships, bases and freighters, immersing players in the far reaches of the cosmos. What’s more, the game also has superb deck-building mechanics and AI, making it both a challenge and highly engaging.

Other games, like Dream Quest, take a different tack. The digital card game combines cartoon graphics with a dungeon crawler feel, making it unique and exciting. As you explore new dungeons, you can find treasure and unlock interesting cards with special abilities.

In short, there are now dozens of options out there for gamers, both on mobile devices and in real life. Photo-realistic graphics might be great for shooters and other twitch-based games, but no matter how good graphics get, they can’t emulate the essence of a good turn-based strategy. For now, it looks as if card games are here to stay, regardless of how good technology becomes. Which card do you want in your deck?

What To Get Up To After Your Exams

We all like to imagine what’s going to happen to us throughout life. We like to think of the places we’re going to go, the people we’re going to meet, the career ladders we’re going to top, and sometimes we just like to think about how many hours we can spend lounging on the sofa after a hard week of work. Especially if you’re someone who’s sick and tired of academia, and you want to stretch out the world to your liking!

So exam season is getting you down, but it’s not going to last forever! And because of this, now’s your chance to do a little bit of dreaming, and then work a little bit of magic on your plans for what you’re going to do after all your tests are through. Here’s a couple of ideas to get you started.

All your hard studying is going to pay off! (Source)

Throw a Barbecue (and plenty of other social outings!)

Sure, you might be a bit drained of energy right now, and want to do nothing more than lay in bed for the rest of the year, but this time right now is perfect for you to use for your social life! All of your friends, in and outside of your circle, are going through the same thing right now, and this is your chance to make sure you’re all being uplifted by each other in some fun and friendly situations.

So, why not throw something like a barbecue? Everyone loves chowing down on good food, surrounded by friends, in an outside setting where the sun and the breeze is on their skin. Even head down to the beach with your disposable BBQ tray and get grilling next to the waves - this is perfect for playing some music and dancing along as a group, and is the cornerstone of recreating experiences from all those teen movies you absolutely loved growing up!

Bulk Out Your Finances

If your exams are over, or ending soon, give yourself a day or two to gather yourself, and then start thinking about what you can do next to really bulk out the money in the bank. After all, your pursuit of academic achievement was to make sure you never had to look into the debt collection laws!

So whether there’s some part time positions going, or you have a blog and now have a real chance to set your mind to monetizing it properly, this is the time for you to apply yourself. Future you is going to seriously thank you later on - you’ll be better able to afford that holiday, or that new car, and you’re going to have a few more friends and relative experience on your side to take you further!

Exam season is a time of stretching out your courage to the max, but there’s plenty of ways for you to unwind and grow afterwards. Why not use ideas like these to really inspire yourself towards bigger and better heights?

People Who Make The Most Money Do These Things

If you want to make more money, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of making more. Many people who make a lot of money have things in common; below, we have a few things that people who make the most money do. Take a look and see what you can start doing today:

They Have A Positive Outlook

A positive outlook is key if you want to increase your earning potential. Why? Because when you have a positive outlook, you’re more likely to find solutions to problems, rather than only focus on the problems themselves. You’re also more likely to spot more opportunities, and have a can-do attitude about making money. You will also be able to build a positive money mindset far easier.

Work on your outlook and your whole world can change for the better.

They Do What They Love

Doing what you love isn't guaranteed to make you more money alone, but there are numerous benefits. You’ll enjoy life more, and you might just come up with more inspired ideas to make money. Take the time to do what you love, even if it’s just as a hobby.

They Make Their Money Work Harder

Making money and then spending it right away isn’t how you’re going to get wealthy. You need to make your money work harder for you if you’re going to build wealth. Investing in stocks, shares, property, and other things will help.

They Invest In Themselves

Investing in yourself is never a waste of time and money. Something like going back into education can help you to improve your skills and you earning potential. In fact, 54% of people go right into employment after university, according to Effat.

credit to Effat

De-Stressing Tips For Stressed Out Students

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A student's life is not an easy one. You know this of course, especially if you're at a college or university at the moment. Stress is something you will become used to, especially when you take the pressures of studying and exams into consideration, as well as those issues around financial security. Not all stress is bad, of course. Studies suggest some stress can improve your performance levels and boost your memory, but there are downsides. If you let stress get the better of you, then the opposite can be true. Your academic and personal life will suffer if you are forever feeling the negative effects of stress, so finding ways to de-stress needs to be a priority in your life.

Here are some tips that should prove useful to you.

Play video games

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and a very stressed out one too! If you are forever working, probably cramming your head with knowledge to improve your academic performance, or studying long into the night to meet deadlines, then you are going to stress yourself out because of exhaustion. You need to find some time in your busy day to relax, and one of the ways to do this is through playing video games. Research suggests video games are effective stress-relievers, especially easy to play casual games, so play such games as Animal Crossing and Madalin Stunt Cars in your downtime or in between classes. Get together with your mates too, and play party games such as Mario Kart and Rock Band in the evening or on a weekend, and relax in each other's company. Video gaming no longer has the stigma it once had, and because there are proven links to stress-relief, you no longer have to feel guilty about picking up a gamepad.

Get physical

Don't spend all of your downtime playing video games! As fun as they are, you do need to engage in some kind of exercise, as physical activity is a proven way to manage your stress levels. Of course, there are fitness and dance games on most consoles, but as fresh air is also beneficial to de-stressing, it makes sense to get outdoors every day to engage in some kind of exercise. Go for a walk alone or with your friends. Enroll for some kind of team sport at college, or get together with your mates and casually kick a ball around. Get yourself a bike and head off somewhere scenic, or spend more time exploring the place where you live. Do anything that takes your interest, and fit your exercise ideas into your daily schedule.

Do something that will make you laugh

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Laughter is literally the best medicine, as this article suggests. Laughter brings about a physical and mental release, enabling you to relax despite the stresses surrounding you. Therefore, find ways to laugh more during the day. Hang out with your mates and joke around. Go to a comedy club near you. Watch a funny video on YouTube when you're in dire need of some light relief, and get yourself a Netflix subscription and watch a few comedies. Find ways to add more humor to your life, and you will feel better as a result. Even if you have to fake a smile occasionally,  research suggests, smiling will offer respite from your short-term stresses. Try it now, especially if you're feeling particularly stressed, and put this research to the test.

Eat and drink with healthy options

The tendency when feeling stressed is to reach for unhealthier options, such as a glass of alcohol or a piece of cake. And as a student, you may have a habit of taking the easy option when it comes to meal times, such as ringing for a takeaway or opting for a quick solution to fix your hunger, such as a pizza. None of these things are particularly good for your health or for dealing with stress; however, there are foods and drinks that can actively de-stress you, such as dark chocolate, oatmeal, nuts, and green tea. Follow this link for more. And learn to cook something healthy. Not only is this an essential life skill, but the act of preparing and cooking food can distract you from your stresses. And, of course, it will help you save money as you won't be reliant on takeout food or unhealthy microwave meals.

Finally

Beat stress by having more fun in your life, and by opting for healthy lifestyle choices. You will feel much better if you do. And don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are getting bogged down with work, or you are struggling with your student finances, seek assistance from staff and friends at the place where you are studying. You don't have to suffer alone! We hope this article was useful to you, but do let us know if you have any further de-stressing tips based on your experiences as a student. Take care, and thanks for reading!

How You Can Make Extra Cash By Playing Games Online

If you’re a bit short on cash and you’re looking for a way to earn a little bit of extra cash, you probably start by looking at ways to earn money online. There are all sorts of things you can do like website testing or filling out surveys to earn a bit of extra money on the side. The only problem with that stuff is that it can get a bit boring. You don’t usually make that much money from survey sites and other similar money making schemes so you’ll have to spend a while doing the same boring tasks over and over before you get any real money out of it. But what if there was a way to earn money online while you’re doing something fun at the same time. It might sound too good to be true but you can actually do that.

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Playing games online is usually considered a fun pastime, not a good way to make money but what a lot of people don’t realize is that you can actually do both. There are plenty of different ways that you can play games online and earn money while you’re doing it. These are just some of the best ways to earn money online by simply playing games.

Streaming

Video game streaming sites have really exploded over the last couple of years, the most popular one being Twitch. All you have to do is set up a webcam and stream yourself playing your favorite games and people can drop in and watch. Then there is a donation section on there and if people like to watch you, they’ll send you some cash. You’ll also make money from ad revenue if you feature certain games. It takes a while to build a fanbase before you start making any big money but if you enjoy playing games anyway, that’s not really a problem. The most successful channels are the ones run by people with a big personality that people can relate to and the ones that do something interesting with their games. If you’re just playing through a game normally then people will get bored and switch off, but if you can think of a new and interesting way to play it, you’ll get lots of subscribers.

As well as streaming on sites like Twitch, you can start a Youtube channel to make money more directly. Once you hit a certain number of views on a video, you’ll start getting paid advertising revenue by Youtube. If you can build a loyal fanbase that watches all of your new videos, you can make a lot of money this way. There are popular Youtubers out there that have made millions just from playing games.

Esports Competitions

This one is a bit harder to get into and you really need to be good at a game to make money from it. There are a lot of new competitive gaming competitions out there and the prize money is in the millions for the biggest ones. Those are for the best players in the world and you’ll probably struggle to get into those unless you’re really good, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make good money from some smaller competitions. If there is a game that you play regularly and you think you’re pretty good, why not see if there is a local team that you could join?

Casino Games

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Getting into professional gaming or building a Youtube channel takes a lot of time and dedication and if you aren’t a serious gamer, you’re probably not going to manage it. That doesn’t mean you can’t make a bit of extra money by playing games though. Casino sites are one of the easiest ways to do it. There are plenty of online gambling sites where you can play with real money and sometimes win big. There are, of course, risks involved so don’t think that this is an easy way to make money fast. However, if you bet small and limit the amount of money you spend on there, you can use it as a way of making cash.

Bingo

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If you’re not too keen on the idea of casino games, why not try something simpler like bingo instead. There are so many bingo sites online where you can play with real money and you don’t have to spend that much at all. Some of them let you play with pennies per game so you’re not risking that much. Obviously, the more you play with the more you stand to win but ingo sites are often a cheaper and safer alternative to playing casino games.

Second Life

Second Life is a massively popular online game which, as the name suggests, lets players live out a completely virtual life of their own. You can do pretty much anything you want in the game whether that be working in a store, being a cab driver, becoming a businessman or even being a criminal. The most exciting thing about it though is that you can trade the in-game currency for real money once you’ve accumulated enough. There are people that have become millionaires from playing the game and, while you might not have that many hours to dedicate to the game, you could still make a lot of money.

One of the most popular ways to make money is trading in virtual real estate. If you build up enough in-game cash to buy some good properties, people will pay you a lot for them and you can then trade that for real money. Other people that own businesses in the game will pay you to work for them and you’ll earn a wage, just like in real life, which can then be swapped for real money. It’s a strange concept but there are plenty of people that are making a lot of real money just by playing a game online.

It seems too good to be true but if you put a bit of work in, it is possible to make some money on the side or even make your living from playing games online.

How To Land A Career In The Sports Industry

A career in sports is one of those things that a lot of people dream about but only a select few actually pursue. There are so many people that give up on their hopes of making a career in the sports industry because they just don’t think it’s realistic. They bow to outside pressure to go for a safe career rather than shoot for something they’re really passionate about. But the truth is, there’s no reason why you can’t have a career in sports if you really want it. The first thing to remember is that you don’t have to be a player to work in sports. Not everybody will make it as the next superstar but there are all sorts of other jobs you can look for in the sports industry. Another big misconception that people have about the sports industry is that people get into it after one lucky break. Not everybody that works in sports was picked up by a scout at a college game. For some people, it does work that way but not always. There are plenty of people that got into the sports industry later in life after years of hard work. If you’re considering pursuing a career in sports but you don’t really know where to start, here are some handy tips.

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Study Your Chosen Sport

Studying your chosen sport is important and there are a few different ways to do it. Firstly, you need to make sure that you’re watching games regularly and analysing them properly. It’s also important that you’re playing as much as you can and keeping up to date with any developments in strategies and rules in your chosen sport.

Living and breathing you sport is one way to study it, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that you can study a lot of sports in the more traditional sense. Did you realize, for example, that there are a lot of great golf schools out there where you can get professional tutorage and learn how to be a better player? That’s just one example and you might not be able to find schools for every sport but it’s definitely worth looking into.

Volunteer

You’re not going to land a job in the sports industry without any experience which is why volunteering is so important. It’s the best way to get experience and it’ll also help you to make valuable connections which can help you later on in your career when you start looking for paid positions. There are plenty of local sports organizations and leagues that are always looking for a bit of extra help. If you get in touch and let them know that you’re interested in volunteering, they’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Highlight Your Skills

Now that you’ve got some good experience and you’ve taken any relevant courses that you can find, it’s time to start looking for positions if you’re not going to pursue a career as a player. When you’re applying, it’s important that you highlight your skills as well as your experience. Think about what you learned while you were volunteering and focus your applications around that.

Finding work in the sports industry is difficult but it is possible for you to find your dream career if you’re willing to put the work in.

A Guide To Helping Modern-Day Students Succeed

If you work in the world of higher education then you know that your job role extends beyond simply teaching a syllabus. You have a duty to help young people (or older people, in the case of mature students) to gain the necessary skills to succeed in life. Essentially, you’re helping young people to enter the “real” world and make something of themselves. That’s no easy task, despite what some people say about teaching being straightforward. And if you want to make sure that you do your best as an educator in the modern world then this guide should give you some pointers.

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Teach them to think outside the box.

These days, going to university isn’t quite as extraordinary as it used to be. Increasing numbers of young people make the decision to pursue university education after sixth form. People are no longer going to stand out in the job market simply by having a degree. The best way to make sure your students separate themselves from the crowd is for them to… well, separate themselves from the crowd. University is an opportunity to think outside the box. It’s an opportunity to try new things and gain new skills that’ll prove useful in the stages that come after graduation. You need to teach them to expect more of themselves.

Obviously, you can’t do everything for every single student. The whole point of university is that it’s a learning curve. Your students have to learn to do things independently, but you have to guide them to that realisation. Give the minimum reading requirements, but suggest that they read beyond your requirements. Encourage them to come up with their own talking points in essays (if at all possible in the type of subject you teach). And you could start thinking outside the box too. Maybe you could look into trips for college students. Travelling is an opportunity to teach your classes in a more vibrant and engaging manner than is possible in a classroom. You need to help your students to expand their minds. Get them to do more than the bare minimum. They need to learn to think independently if they want to be successful in the world that comes after university.

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Be a better teacher.

There’s always more you could be doing to learn and grow in your profession. If you want to help students succeed in the modern day then you have to be a modern teacher. In other words, you need to keep learning to make sure that your knowledge is up to date. The world moves forward, so your lessons need to move at the same pace. Otherwise, you’ll be giving your students knowledge that isn’t going to help them in the real world. After all, if you’re teaching them things that are already old then they’ll be even further behind when they graduate in a few years. If you want to be a better teacher then keep learning. Make sure you’re giving every single student the tools they need to succeed. Beyond that, it’s up to them.

Everyday Skills and Activities That Can Boost Your Gaming

Gaming can give you a lot of awesome skills to use in your "real" life. But can you do things in the rest of your life that might help you to improve your gaming? If you're a gamer and you want to get better, it's not only playing games all day that could help you to improve your skills. There are lots of ways to develop the necessary skills in real life, which you could then apply to your gaming, whether it's for money or just for fun. So even when you're not playing games, you could be working on some vital skills using the right methods.

Watch Other Gamers

Before you consider anything outside of gaming, you could find that watching other gamers helps you to improve your skills. You can see the techniques that they use and watch how they figure things out to see if you can make changes to your own techniques. Many top gamers stream their play on Twitch, Youtube or other sites, where you can watch and learn from them. You might also be interested in gaming tournaments and meetups, where you can watch other gamers play and maybe even get someone to teach you some new things.

Image source: Pxhere

Play Other Types of Games

Even though you might like to spend your time playing Call of Duty, Fortnite or GTA, there are plenty of other non-video games that can help you develop your gaming skills. Both online and computer games, as well as more traditional board games and card games, might help you build some essential gaming skills. Playing casino games is one example of how playing different games can grow your skills. If you want to play online, take a look at online casino reviews to find the best ones. You want a reputable option that you can trust. Of course, you don't have to play for money.

Play Sports

Gamers are often seen as nerdy people who don't ever go outside, but in reality, all sorts of people play video games. Believe it or not, being sporty could help you develop your skills with a controller. Playing sports and being active helps you with your motor skills, your coordination, speed and reaction times. It can also help you to improve your teamwork if you're playing with other people, which is useful for playing any video games where you might need to work as a team.

Image by Pixabay

Practice Problem-solving

Problem-solving is an essential skill for many games. You need to work out how to complete tasks, beat villains and finish puzzles to get to the end of a game. You can learn good problem-solving skills from games that you can use in the rest of your life, but you can also pick up skills from elsewhere that you can apply to your gaming. You might find yourself having to solve problems at work, around the house or in other areas of your life. Being able to solve problems in real life should help you out when you're gaming too, helping you think more creatively.

Try Multitasking

Doing things that require some form of multitasking can improve your gaming performance too. Although the human brain isn't really designed for true multitasking, like watching TV and reading a book at the same time, there are lots of things we can do at the same time perfectly well. You might get practice with multitasking doing something like playing a musical instrument, where you might be reading music, playing and even singing at the same time. If you add an audio looper to the mix, you’ll have even more to focus on. When you're playing games, you can find you need to do several things at once too, so your practice in other areas will help you.

Learn Good Strategy

Having the right strategy can be important for a lot of video games. If you're not a naturally gifted strategist, you can develop your strategy skills in a few different ways. Some games other than video games can be useful, such as chess or checkers. You can also find opportunities to think more strategically while you're working or studying, developing plans to help you meet goals, work with other people, and take a smart approach to getting things done. If you really want to develop your strategic thinking, you could even take a course or workshop.

Image by The Blue Diamond Gallery

Boost Your Concentration and Focus

A lot of people seem to think that younger generations lack the ability to concentrate and have short attention spans. But as most gamers will know, focusing on something that you want to do is not something that you struggle with. However, improving your concentration and focus can help you with your gaming, as well as other areas of your life. To improve your concentration, you can work on things that require intense focus, from arts and crafts to studying for exams. You can also make some lifestyle choices that improve your focus, like getting enough sleep and having the right diet.

Improve Your Memory

Good memory is often necessary for gaming too. You might need to remember a series of steps that you took to get a particular action to take place, for example. You can find many ways to improve your memory, and it will be good for your studies, as well as your gaming skills. Making sure to keep your brain active should help you boost your memory, so look for things that will give it a good workout. You can also improve your memory by eating the right foods, such as fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, sleeping well, and engaging in physical exercise too.

Build Social and Teamwork Skills

If you enjoy playing team games, when you might team up with people in the same room or online, you can improve your teamwork skills so you can play better with other people. Things that might improve your teamwork skills include working with others while studying or working, playing sports or even just completing everyday tasks with other people.

Boost your gaming skills by working on important skills in other areas of your life. You might notice a huge difference in your performance.

The Mature Student’s Guide To Financial Security

Wow, going to college, being a parent, and working can be tough, especially when it comes to managing your finances. Luckily, there are some tactics you can use to keep on top of your money situation and ensure financial security, even when your plate is overflowing with other commitments. Read on to find out what they are.

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Do know your income and expenses?

It doesn't matter how good you are with your spending if you don't have a handle on what your expected income and expenses are each month. In fact, if the latter is more than the former, you are definitely going to run into some trouble!

What this means is that you need to have a clear list of all the money you can expect to come in during a month, including any student loans and bursaries, as well as wages. Then you need to compare this to everything that is on the outgoing list. Of course, the latter list will include your mortgage or rent, as well as utilities, food, and clothes. It will also include money for fun, and your college fees as well.

Obviously, if your projected outgoings are exceeding your income, you will know that you have to cut back in that month. Something that can be done by shopping only to a list and with coupons, as well as resisting the urge to spend on unnecessary items such as new clothes and decor for your house.

Don't go overboard buying resources.

Next, when it comes to managing your finances successfully as a mature student, it's essential not to allow yourself to get caught up in 'back to school fever.' Yes, that's right a great deal of the resources and items that people buy in September aren't actually ones you really need or will ever use. In fact, it's becoming just like any other holiday where marketers use people's' excitement to encourage them to part with their cash.

Luckily, you can be wise to this and prevent this happening to you. One way to achieve this is to wait until your classes start to buy your books and resources. Then you will be able to buy just what you will actually use. In fact, it's sometimes possible to get a lead from your tutors to a student that did the same course last semester and has all their textbooks to sell, something that can save you a small fortune!

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Also, if you do have a clear list of items you need already, be sure to keep it as minimal as possible. After all, while all those sparkly folders and pencil cases can seem like a good buy, you need to ask yourself,  whether you really need them, when you are doing most of your note-taking and assignment writing online?

Do repair your credit

Next, when it comes to financial security as a mature student, it can be super helpful to keep an eye on your credit. The reason being that bad credit or a low credit score can seriously interfere with the ease with which you can get loans, and make other significant purchases. Something that you may wish to do during your time at college, or immediately after.

Luckily, there are quite a few strategies to try when it comes to taking care of your credit rating. The first is to absolutely be sure that any credit you do take out is a debt that you can repay on time. Otherwise, you risk lowering your rating.

Of course, it not always a good idea to avoid using credit altogether, especially if you already have a poor score as this can also negatively affect your rating. Instead, it may be worth looking into something like this capital one secured card which will allow you to get back into using credit, even when your rating is low and so can help to rebuild your ratings by showing that you are a good prospect.

Alternatively, if you are concerned about a particularly low rating or negative notes on your account, you may wish to approach a credit repair specialist. This is a company that can negotiate with your credit providers and find the best way to close down any outstanding issues or notes on your account. Something that can help you return your credit score to normal, and so make college life and your life after, that bit easier.

Don’t let false economies fool you.

What is a false economy? Well, it's when you buy something because you think you are getting a good deal and it's cheap, but if you really look at it in detail, you realize that it's not such a good deal. False economy issues come in all shapes and sizes as well, and there are two main ways of avoiding them.

The first is to shop around for your groceries and clothes and compare prices to find the best deals. Something that is pretty easy to do now we have the internet at our disposal 24/7, especially if you are happy to buy in bulk or thrifted items.

Secondly, don't get suckered into buying things that you just don't need. I'm talking about all the chips and snacks you get at the grocery, those accessories you just have to have for your office, and worst of all those expensive coffees you treat yourself to on campus in between seminars. Guess what folks? Coffee tastes just as good if you make a flask of it in the morning yourself and take that to school each day, and you can save yourself a fortune by doing this as well!

Take your coffee in a Thermos and save!

Do make time to keep on top of finances.

Lastly, if you are attending college, you will be busy, what with all those assignments, seminars, deadlines, and essays to write. Of course, for mature students tend to be even busier, because they have family and work commitments they have to honor as well.

You will be busy as a mature student, but it will benefit your whole family to stay on top of your finances.

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Despite all of this though, it is still crucial that you make time to monitor your spending and keep on top of your finances. In fact, knowing what you have left and what still needs to be paid for at any point in the month, is probably the most critical step in maintaining your financial security as a mature student.

Starting a Killer Society at Uni

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Student societies are part of university life, and for some students, they are a way of getting to know other people while being involved in something they are interested in. They are usually started because someone notices a niche where there is not one, and are run by the students themselves.

Applying To Set Up A Student Society

You cannot just decide to start a student society and say to people this is it, we are here. You have to have your idea approved and to get the OK you need to have at least 10 other people who would become members. The decision makers at your university will also be looking to see how you intend to move the idea forward. How will you let other students know about it?  Will you consider getting posters printed for the society by a company like www.printsafari.com or you will be relying on social media and word of mouth to get your new society known, which is fine, but students are often out and about and a big bold poster will be seen. Cover all of the bases and you’ll get a better turnout.

Getting Your Team Together

Most universities will want a society to have a present, a vice present, a secretary and a treasurer. When you are starting out you will probably appoint the first batch of officers yourself and you should try to aim for a range of talents. Look at your weaknesses and find students who have these as a strength as you should never think you can do everything yourself.

Funding The Venture

When it comes to funding you should run your society in the same way as you would run a business, and doing so will give you some insight into running a business if that is something you’d like to do after graduation.. Keep strict records of membership fees as they come in and any expenses that have to be paid out. As a student society registered with your university, you can often use venues and facilities free of charge and some of them have a startup fund they give to new societies that can be as much as £100.

Getting Students Interested

There are lots of ways to get students interested in your new society. If your society is TV or film themed you could hire costumes to attend events like the ones at https://metaphysicalfantasy.wordpress.com/. All four team members could go as characters from Star Trek, for example, as long as there are no arguments over who wears the big ears to be Spock.  You could dress up as Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock if you are starting a Gardening Society or be Gordon Ramsey for a Hell’s Kitchen Society. The choice is endless and so are the ways of letting people know you are then and when your first meeting will be.

Letting Go

So, you start a successful student society, and the skills you have had to use can be useful when you leave university. In fact, most employers are very impressed because a student has run a society and it could tilt the balance between you and another candidate for the job you are after.

You will have put a lot of effort into the society you founded and it should not close just because you are leaving university. The officers will need to be replaced and that should be dome with a democratic vote among the members. It is not easy to stand by and watch someone else take over something you started, but you should be proud of yourself that it is still around to pass on.