It’s pretty unlikely that a college student won’t need financial advice at one point. Usually college is when you move on to your first flat and you have to manage your own finances. So where can a college student go for free financial advice?

The obvious first stop is your parents. They are likely to have experience in managing their own finance and they won’t charge you for financial advice. The only reason to avoid advice from your parents is if you are trying to prove you can make it on your own. Just remember, everyone starts from the bottom. Your parents are unlikely to judge you for simply asking for advice. If you don’t want to ask your parents, or they are unavailable, you have other options.

Mature students, meaning students who have entered college at a later stage not students who act responsibly, will have managed their finances in the past. By simply asking them for free financial advice you could even make a new friend at college.

Other college students are likely in the same financial situation as you. By asking around you might find another student in the same situation as you. Take their advice with a grain of salt, they are probably new to this as well, but take their advice.

Another source of free financial advice available to college students is the college itself. By asking around, or checking the college website, you will find some sort of student association. The staff members here are trained to offer free advice to college students, including financial advice. You can usually contact them by email, phone or in person. Check with your individual college to learn the procedure.

The internet is a major source for education, including financial advice. There is a flood of financial information available online; you just need to find it. For example, you could use a search engine to look for “Free financial advice for college students” or contact people for advice through student message boards or chat rooms.

You should keep in mind any information you read on the internet may not be accurate for your situation or at all. You can use the internet for a broad understanding or idea, then confirm it with a reliable source.

Your bank or building society might also offer free financial advice. Again, you would be talking to trained staff members who understand finances and college student’s needs. Check with your bank or building society to see if they offer free financial advice.

A college student will never be judged for needing financial advice. Never feel like you have to deal with financial pressure on your own. If asking for help is a problem for you then take advice from your bank, building society or student association and ask for it to be kept confidential.