If you're off to university this month, it's crucial to think about how you're going to finance your time there - even if you do have a student loan.
The first step is going to be to take out a student bank account - but which one is right for you?
And for many, the critical feature is the size of the interest-free overdraft available (rather than the freebies designed to lure them in).
Here, we help you make your choice by comparing five of the best student accounts.
HSBC Student Bank Account
Of the accounts on offer this year, HSBC has one of the largest interest-free overdrafts of up to £3,000 over the duration of your course.
Go above your agreed limit, however, and the interest rate charged is a hefty 19.90%. It is therefore worth increasing your limit where possible if you think you are going to go over it.
If you are going to be in credit, at least for a while, it is also worth knowing that HSBC pays 2% on balances of up to £1,000 in the first year (after which the rate is 0%).
The freebies on offer with the account include 25% off Lonely Planet travel guides.
Halifax Student Current Account
Halifax also allows students to borrow up to £3,000 over the course of their studies. But it's unauthorised borrowing rate is even higher than HSBC's at 24.20%.
Again, you should increase your limit if you think you are going to exceed it as a result.
The credit interest rate paid is higher than some at 0.10%, but there are no freebies offered with the account.
Santander Student Account
The maximum Santander will allow you to borrow as a student is £2,000. Borrow more than this or without permission and the bank imposes a one-off payment of £5 per day, capped at 10 days per month.
When it comes to credit interest, meanwhile, Santander offers 2% on up to £500 throughout your time at university.
Anyone who opens an account before November 30 also gets £50 cashback paid in to start them off.
NatWest Student Account
With NatWest, you can borrow up to £2,000 interest-free over the course of your time at university.
You earn nothing on credit balances, though, while the unauthorised overdraft rate is 17.81%.
That said, the four-year Young Persons Railcard offered by NatWest to young people who switch an existing current account into a student account could save you a significant amount if you travel a lot by train.
Lloyds TSB Student Account
Lloyds TSB allows most students to borrow up to £2,000 at 0% over the course of their degree.
However, Lloyds charges just 8.2% on borrowing over the maximum interest-free limit, making it the most competitive account on this point.
The bank also pays 0.10% on credit balances and offers a number of freebies including £75 off an STA Travel holiday and a free NUS Extra card for three years.