Whether as a student you're planning to live on a grant, a loan, parental subsidies or cash earned over the summer, you'd be wise to lodge your money in a bank account.
Before you do so, though, it's worth shopping around to check what the various institutions are offering. The major banks are always anxious to attract new customers and students - who have to the potential to become high earners in the future - are particularly desirable.
AIB has a host of goodies on offer if you open a student account. Free banking apart, these include a free international student identity card and Travelsave stamp; a £40 voucher towards a Ready to Go GSM mobile phone from Eircell; a free £20 Go Card in addition to the £30 call credit you get as part of the Ready to Go pack; a limited edition Hot Press CD and, if you avail of the Eircell offer, a further £20.
Bank of Ireland has a raft of freebies. These include an international student identity card worth £7, free account transactions and cheque book and eight pounds worth of Usit Travelsave stamp or a Pepe courier bag valued at £20.
TSB Bank is offering free banking to students who hold current, current plus and cashflow accounts. Over a year, depending on the number of transactions you make, you could make considerable savings.
Ulster Bank has no giveaways this year, but the bank is offering full-time third-level students interest-free overdrafts of up to £300.
