The best ways for students to save money for a gap year abroad before university

Planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip? Make sure you’ve got enough funds in the bank to make the most of it

Some smart budgeting and creativity with funds could see you jet off with a healthy bank balance (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Every year, hoards of young people embark on a gap year to see the world, make friends and learn invaluable future life skills.

With the cost of living on the rise and tuition fees reaching an all-time high, for many people, a year abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world before the reality of student debt and full-time work kicks in.

Believe it or not, gap years don’t have to be done on a shoestring budget. If you embrace a bit of smart budgeting and get creative with your funds, you can go away with a healthy bank balance.

So, take note of these seven moneymaking tips to ensure the cash starts flowing in for a trip to remember:

1) Take part in online surveys

This won’t make you millions, but online surveys do provide an instant cash boost, and are fairly quick to complete. Crowdology pays between 40p to £10 per survey, and also run a monthly draw where members get the chance to win a £20 prize.

Toluna works in a similar way to Crowdology; members are encouraged to let brands know what they think through participating in surveys. Toluna rewards members in the form of points, which can be redeemed for anything from prize draw tickets for gadgets or holidays, vouchers for shops including Amazon – or even for cash.

2) Sell old books and CDs online

Already downloaded all of your albums to your iPod or smartphone in preparation for the trip? Why not make some money off CDs you’ve stored digitally and trade them in online with sites like eBay or Ziffit? There’s plenty of money to be made off items like old textbooks and DVDs too – just download the app, scan the barcode and start selling.

3) Freelance or blog on the move

The Internet has made flexible working significantly easier. If you freelance you can now work on the move – Wi-Fi connection permitting.

You could also consider blogging about your travels. Lifestyle and travel blogs or vlogs are on the rise and, if your blog starts to attract a following, it can prove lucrative.

4) Sell your clothes

Do you want to shed some clothes, in order to pack light for your travels? Most prospective students are no strangers to technology, so take advantage of your digital competence.

New apps like Depop have made selling clothes fast and pain-free. You can list and sell items just by taking a picture. It works in a similar way to Instagram, allowing users to follow friends and like images. Only difference is you can also sell and buy at the same time.

5) Budget

Budgeting might not sound hugely exciting, but you’ll thank yourself for it later. Saving while you’re still living at home (more than likely rent-free) is worth it. Even if it’s just buying one less drink when you’re out, think about how much you’re spending.

Budgeting a little now will also stand you in good stead for university, when knowing how to manage your finances really comes in useful.

6) Sell your travelling snaps

This is a good option for budding photographers. Gap year locations can include some of the most stunning scenery in the world. If you have a flair for photography, sell your travel photos to stock image websites.

There is a huge demand for high-quality images, and stock image websites like iStock and Barcroft Media are just a couple of places to start.

7) Open a bank account

Want to ensure you have your finances in order before you embark on your travels? Banks are in direct competition with one another for customers and, with interest rates so low, many banks are tempting customers with upfront cash payments.

So, shop around for those offering the best service and straightforward payments. While you’re at it, you can also investigate the best student accounts on offer so you’re primed for first year at university.

Jack Wallington is community director at The Student Room, the world’s largest online student community