How you can use students to save money

There are more students than ever before, with record numbers accepted onto full-time university courses last autumn. But could they help you save money?

When I consider all the services I pay for – dentistry, the optician’s, occasional beauty treatments and haircuts – I keep in mind that I am paying for the expertise. These people have spent a period studying and training to do a job and that’s why I trust them.

But recently it occurred to me that these students need to train with real patients and customers, and that maybe that’s a way to save some cash.

So I’ve been looking into it…

Budding beauticians

My local college has a beautician academy, where you can save around a third on treatments. All of these treatments are supervised by a more experienced beautician, although as the student gets closer to graduating there’s less teacher attention.

In the past, I have to admit to hesitating before booking myself in for an eyebrow shape – what if the student accidentally removed one entirely!? However, having read many positive reviews of my local college, I decided to trust the trainees. I wasn’t disappointed, it really seemed no different to having a newly qualified beautician take my appointment.

Before, I had my eyebrows shaped every six weeks at a cost of £7, which is just over £60 a year. The students do it for £4, saving me £25 over 12 months.

[Pamper yourself for pennies – budget beauty ideas tested]

Trusting a trainee dentist

Anyone who’s seen that episode of Channel 4 sit com ‘Fresh Meat’ might struggle with this one, but it could save you a fortune. Even with NHS-supplemented care, Brits have to pay between £18 and £214 for a single course of treatment.

But some schools of dentistry actually offer free treatment, as long as you allow their students to carry out the work. Don’t panic though, it’s unlikely to be freshers using a drill for the first time – and all dentistry is carefully supervised by someone who’s fully qualified.

However, downsides include that the treatment is likely to take longer than normal. If your nearest university offers dentistry as a degree then get in touch to see if they’ll take you on as a patient. Many of them are actively recruiting candidates.

[NHS Dental cost - how much you should be paying and how]

Have-a-go hairdressing

We’ve all seen the signs in hairdressers’ windows: ‘Models wanted.’ Salons often run model sessions where their trainees can practise everything from simple cuts to more complicated styling and colouring.

Some salons offer their models free cuts, others will charge but it will be a far smaller amount than you’d normally pay.

For example, a Toni & Guy Soho haircut and blow-dry with a standard stylist will cost £52 and a colour treatment can cost £90. However, at the academy you’ll pay £5 for a cut or £25 for colouring, just to cover costs.

And it’s not just Toni & Guy; most salons have trainees they need to develop. All treatments and cuts will be supervised. This can be a great way to get a free haircut, you’ll often just have to cover costs. Be prepared that the student may need to take a photograph.

Eating at chef school
 
When you’re checking out your local college’s hairdresser or beauty salon, it’s worth also seeing if they train chefs.

My local college has a dedicated restaurant for its catering students to gain experience in, with regular themed evenings. You can get a three-course meal with a glass of wine for around £10 a head and the reviews for the food are excellent.

There’s something to be said for trainee chefs who are keen to prove themselves but can’t charge the earth.

[Live a champagne lifestyle… for less]

But is it safe?

Obviously there’s a slightly increased risk when entrusting yourself to a student rather than a fully qualified professional, but that risk is usually very small. Students are carefully trained before they are let loose on the public and then they are closely supervised.

More likely than something going wrong, is that the treatment will take longer. Students certainly can save you cash, but make sure you understand and are happy with the risks.

Do you know of any other students looking for subjects to practise on? Would you trust a trainee? Do you? Have your say using the comments below.