You’ll find lots of money saving tips for students, but when it comes to student finance there are also lots of ways for students to earn some extra income. One that’s rarely considered and most probably not very well know about is medical testing for money.

You may have heard that participating in medical trials for money is a good earner, especially if you’re a student. It’s true that clinical trials can offer up to £2000 in compensation, depending on the extent of the commitment required. Given that some trials allow volunteers to participate in up to four trials a year, you’re potentially looking at up to £8000 for doing little more than lying in bed and popping a pill or two when told. However there are things you need to know before you embark on such a route.

Why Are Drug Trials Necessary?

Every new drug, from the syrupy liquids that treats a child’s cough to the sophisticated Chemotherapies given to Cancer patients, has to be tested for its effectiveness and its safety before it’s brought to market. This is where drug trials come in.

There are two types of clinical trial: those that require patients with a specific condition and those that require healthy participants.

How does it Work?

Apply to be a volunteer and, if you make it through the screening process, the company conducting the trial will send you dates for trials that you’re eligible for and you choose what suits your schedule.

The criterion of each trial varies depending on what the trial is testing for. Some trials will require participants to admit themselves to the clinic in which the trial is being conducted – a controlled environment – while others may be conducted on an outpatient basis.

“Informed consent”, is also required. All participants will be made fully aware of the protocol and what the trial is testing for by one of the participating doctors. You’ll then be required to sign a consent form. This doesn’t mean that you’re waiving your rights; should you wish to go home at anytime, you can. However, some drug companies won’t pay participants who don’t stay until the last day. This is something to bear in mind if you are doing it for the money, rather than the knowledge that you’re contributing to the advancement of medical science.

What Are the Advantages?

The screening process includes a full health evaluation to make sure there are no underlying conditions that may be exacerbated during the course of a trial. If you’re participating on an in-patient basis, you’ll have a couple of weeks away from the clamour of everyday life.

What Are the Disadvantages?

Boredom. There is nothing to do for two weeks besides lie in bed, or talk to the other participants, so make sure you take a couple of books, or some work, if you’re studying. Of course, you may be unlucky and experience some unpleasant side-effects. The upside of this is that in a clinic there will be plenty of doctors on hand to make sure you recover.

Is It Safe?

All clinical trials in the U.K. are conducted in accordance with European legislation and have to be approved by two bodies: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and The Research Ethics Committee. There are companies who cut corners and try to flout the law and if you are considering participating in medical trials for money, you should research the company conducting the trial thoroughly before giving consent.

Getting the cash that you need during Christmas, and the festive period, can seem like a tough ask – especially when you’re a student! Don’t despair though because with a bit of thought and by using services like musicmagpie you can save the pennies and make yourself a bit of extra dosh.

Getting that extra spending money at any time of year is important, but at Christmas it is even more necessary. There might be parties to go to, end of semester nights out and presents for the boyfriend, girlfriend or family to buy. But, how do you do it?

Consider your expenditure – Everyone around you seems to be spending money like water, and every night there is a new event to go to, but you don’t know if you should or not. Chances are that you shouldn’t, what some students do at this time of year is to plan what parties they will attend and which they will have to decline.

Shop around – This is something that many students do anyway but it rings even truer at this time of year. When you’re buying gifts check online first to see where the best deal can be found, and never forget to ask if there’s student discount! You never know where you might get 10% off that you never knew before.

Sell DVDs – Every student has unwanted games, CDs and DVDs that are cluttering up their room and sometimes it’s because people don’t know exactly how much they can get for their stuff. Use websites and services online to get money back for what you don’t want. It all goes in the kitty for Christmas!

Make your own food – As much as it might seem nice to wake up 10 minutes before lectures, chuck your clothes on and get to your seat consider how you’re going to eat during the day. Have breakfast before you leave to stop snacking between lectures, and try to get home for lunch before creating some sort of dinner plan. Fast food can seem like a good option, but the expenses all add up.

Pound the pavements – Do you go to the gym on a regular basis? Why? You could save a lot more money and burn just as many calories by using the streets around your home as a running track.

Use your imagination – Worrying what to buy someone for Christmas? Why don’t you make them their own personalised card or present. Not only is this cheaper for you, but many people believe that this shows more thought and caring than a paid for gift.

Book early – Early bird tickets can save you a lot of money, be that for a nightclub or for a train. Where the latter is concerned, you can book as far away as 12 weeks before travel which can save you a great percentage on the cost of a train journey.

That’s a list of seven, but others like researching petrol prices before filling up your car or not buying books at this time of year can be simple things to consider. A lot of saving money is to do with common sense but you can also make quick cash as well by getting rid of unwanted gifts.

If you are looking for a cheap break away with your friends in the UK, hiring a car and taking a tent and heading to the countryside can offer a great escape from the norm, especially if you have exams looming and looking for some relaxation!

If no-one has a car then you will need to hire one and when you’re a student every penny you can save helps, so finding cheap car rentals that’s aimed specifically at people like you can be a real bonus.

For a long time, many companies have avoided hiring cars out to younger drivers believing them to be less responsible on the road. This has affected many students over the years and made it harder to
find a car to hire when required.

All this has changed in recent years however, and there are a number of companies now who now offer cheap car hire to students today, although most will want you to meet a variety of criteria such as
being over a specific age, and driving for at least a certain number of years.

As well as having to meet the driving requirements, you’ll also need to take along certain documentation when you make your booking and pick up your vehicle. A current student ID will be required to prove you’re a student as well as obviously your driving license, and often a credit card in your name when you make your booking.

If you study in Scotland then why not try a weekend away camping in Loch Lomond. If you study in North England then you are only a hour or so’s drive from the lake district and if you study in London, then drive down to the coast and explore beautiful English seaside.

So what are you waiting for! Grab your rucksack and tent and head to the country!