Saving is a Saviour
Yes, you have read the headline correctly. The thing you students probably loathe the most from autumn to spring could actually be your saviour come the season of Noel.
While you are busy cramming in those assignments on Word and designing that glossy presentation on PowerPoint for the last few weeks of the first semester, Microsoft Office will really prove useful for some snappy preparation over the holiday period.
Not only students, though, can make use of the software over the next few weeks – these tips are relevant for the whole family.
There are always many reasons to be conscious of your finances but, in this time especially when money is so tight for everyone, it is important to plan your expenses early and in a wise manner. With a bit of resourceful thinking, it is possible to scrimp with the money you already have. Create your own festive budget with Microsoft Excel so you can easily determine exactly what level of dosh you have got to play with.
Budget for everything – gifts, travelling home, socialising, decorations, food. Sounds just like the Minister for Finance, eh! Sorry, he that should not be mentioned.
Christmas Creativity
It might be a little difficult to make good gifts with the suite but, in fairness, one place you can save a little on is with Christmas cards. Make your own!
PowerPoint has its own Christmas themed templates that you can work with or be even more creative and design your own personalised versions with Microsoft Publisher. Handmade cards – okay, they are not exactly handmade but it is close enough, right? – are always a nice touch anyway so it'll look like you put that extra little bit of effort in to impress.
Lists!! Christmas is one of the busiest periods of the year, there is always so much stuff to do and you're forever running all over the place – in between some holiday feasting of course.
OneNote is a great tool to use to divvy up a few lists that will help you keep track. Shopping lists for the presents, decorations and food would all be useful because, let's face it, every year we always forget something.
Plus, now don't shoot me, but my student friends will probably have some exams or essays to study for after the New Year so any random thoughts can be scribbled down on OneNote in anticipation for when they come around...you'll thank me later, I know it.
Tis the Season to be Jolly
Okay, don't worry, we're at the important part now. Party time! Christmas and celebrating the New Year are good opportunites to rekindle old friendships and hang out with the people you perhaps wish you had more time for.
Most people instant message these days – it is cheaper than texting or ringing someone (ringing someone?) and everyone's online anyway. Microsoft Lync is the perfect medium to buzz an old mate and plan two of the most important social nights of the year; Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.
Whether it is going for a night in the town or hosting a party in the comfort of your own home, Lync is an effortless way to get everyone you want involved.
So plenty of reason to use
Microsoft Office over the holidays then and the best part is that, with all this unexpected efficiency, you'll have more free time to gorge on the yummy leftover turkey. Happy Holidays!