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There's no doubt a career in technology is one that provides opportunity, growth, a lot of variety and a stimulating and fast-moving environment. The fact there's generally a skills shortage puts many people in a good position when it comes to getting their first job or advancing their career - but how do you get involved in the first place?

What tech area to move into?

With so many branches of 'tech' the decision is: what area should I go into? Maybe you know already: perhaps the world of artificial intelligence (AI) fascinates and you'd love to be part of it - or maybe web development appeals?

Perhaps developing software and helping people to run their business finances and generally make their lives easier through innovative packages and apps is your thing? Some of what you enjoy now about tech will likely be pointing you in the right direction so don't ignore that 'gut feeling'.

Making the right moves

One concern you may have in moving into a tech career is in making the wrong choice of what field to enter; you may worry about running the risk of taking time consuming and possibly expensive training only to realize it's not right for you.

When you move away to university, there can be a lot to adjust to at once. It's a time for meeting new people, expanding knowledge and living independently - and for many, the first time you've managed your own cleaning. Here are the eight tips every student should know, for a happy and healthy university life.

Create a rota

Students want two things: top grades and endless fun. If cleaning wars aren't on your university agenda, it's best to create a rota from the outset.

Get together with your housemates and create a list of tasks, then rotate each week. To make the job seem less daunting, split the rota into tasks, not rooms. This way, the rota is easily flexible, to cater for inevitably tight deadlines and exams.

When you move in, take the time to find out your waste collection day - and note this on the rota.

Organise the fridge

The secret to a sparkling kitchen is an organised fridge. Avoid food waste and foul smells by keeping a box for items approaching their use-by dates on one of the shelves, so you know what to use or clear.

Clear items from the fridge every few days, and take out kitchen bins. Food waste is the source of many student kitchen nightmares - stay on top of this rotation, and you're already enroute to a sparkling home.

When overseas students are considering UK universities, options in Oxford, Cambridge, London or Edinburgh often top their wish-lists.

The attractions of these cities and their iconic institutions are fairly obvious - but course fees can be high and costs of living prohibitive.

But all is not lost, because there are several outstanding outlying towns with good higher education offerings and decent student living standards - Luton in Bedfordshire being a prominent example.

So if you're prepared to study slightly off the beaten track, here are three reasons Luton's a great place to learn.

1.   University of Bedfordshire

When you're investing in a university course, you'll naturally seek a good ROI from a reputable organisation.

And international students studying at the University of Bedfordshire benefit from a convenient town centre campus with a seven-storey library, sports therapy and science laboratories, state-of-the-art gym and industry-standard TV studio.

But depending on course choice, you might be based in neighbouring campuses in Bedford, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury or Putteridge Bury - all of which have their own distinctive charms.

Students don't have the best reputation when it comes to money management. University is often your first time living away from your parents, with newfound independence and a fairly decent amount of money dropped into your bank account at the start of the term. It's no wonder people struggle with the temptation to start spending.

While it's not the case for everyone, it's no secret that, when you're a student, money can be tight. With some loans barely covering the cost of rent, it is no surprise that the thought of having to live off a student budget is putting more and more young people off going to university altogether.

The good news is that, even though getting by on a student budget can be tough, it is entirely possible - you just need to learn some new skills. To help you get through your next academic year, we have put together some of the best ways to save on student life.

Budget as soon as your loan comes in

The UK has some excellent universities, and a British degree is still highly-prized by international students and employers.

But the cost of studying at a UK university can be high - and varies widely according to which area you choose and your nationality.

This means grabbing enough cash to support yourself is crucial - so here are four ways to earn while you learn in the UK.

1.   Course type

Studying a course that involves regularly attending classes in a physical campus means there's little spare time to work.

So irregular class times and commitments might mean that they type of jobs you can apply for is limited.

However, you can often study a similar degree course through distance learning at the same institution.

And the flexibility of learning when it suits you best means you can work regular hours earning a steady income.

2.   UK nations

There are also several pros and cons for studying in either England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

With its status as a global economic and cultural capital, London's appeal is obvious. But the living costs associated with an education in the British capital can be high.