Hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK are about to embark on an exciting new life at college or university – and owning a car can make that life even more enjoyable. Having your own wheels gives you more freedom – facilitating weekend road trips with friends as well as big supermarket shops.

But which car should you choose for your time in higher education? If you're like most students, you won't have the cash for anything fancy. Here we bring you ten cars that are cheap to buy, cheap to run – and within reason cheap to insure: although that last one is going to sting whichever car you choose!

NB: insurance costs are a rough guide, based on an 18 year old new driver.

1. Ford Fiesta

As the UK's most popular car, the Ford Fiesta has sold well over four million since it appeared in 1976. And it's still a great car, with decent handling and low running costs (around 45mpg). You can pick up a 2006 Fiesta for under £1,000. As a young driver, insurance will bump up your first year's outlay to around £3,000.

Ford Fiesta (edaldridge/Bigstock.com)

2. Vauxhall Corsa

The Corsa is almost as historic as the Fiesta, appearing on British roads in 1982. In terms of sales it's been nipping at the heels of the Fiesta since then, but is still a great little car. Buy a 2006 model for less than a grand, and expect a very decent 45-50mpg. Once again, with insurance, you'll be heading towards the £3,000 mark by the time you're on the road.

Vauxhall Corsa (DDCoral/Bigstock.com)

3. Volkswagen Polo

With a great reputation for reliability, paying a few hundred pounds more for a VW Polo may be wise if you want fewer trips to the garage. Expect around 47mpg for a neat-looking 2003 model with around 80,000 on the clock. Total cost is likely to breach £3k after auto cover is factored in.

VW Polo (sborisov/Bigstock.com)

4. Mini Cooper

You could be looking at up to £2,000 for a used Mini – but you'll be in one of the coolest superminis around! Minis come with ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Cornering Brake Control and tyre-pressure monitoring – and many other useful features. It's also got a great safety rating, so could be a big hit if you're seeking a parental subsidy. More than £4,000 with insurance included.

Mini Cooper (Suphatthra China/Bigstock.com)

5. Renault Clio

The MK3 Clio was considerably better than its predecessor, and you still can pick up a 2006 model for around £2,000. Insurance will set you back around £1,500 and fuel economy is a decent 48mpg.

Renault Clio (Czgur/Bigstock.com)

6. Citroen Saxo

A Saxo from 2003 with around 90,000 miles on the clock should cost you less than a grand, and deliver around 46mpg. Its stylish looks with surely turn heads on campus. Shop around and you may find insurance for under £1,000.

Citroen Saxo (Artzzz/Bigstock.com)

7. Suzuki Swift

The swift is a unique, fun car – although it may not have the reliability rep of a VW or a Fiesta. Well-built with an mpg figure of around 48mpg, you can find a 2006 1.3 GL for around the £2,000 mark, with insurance likely to push your outlay past £4,000.

Suzuki Swift (EvrenKalinbacak/Bigstock.com)

8. Fiat 500

With iconic looks that give the Mini a run for its money, the 500 is certainly a cool car to zip around campus in. Not the most reliable car ever, but a 2009 model with 90k on the clock will deliver a very decent 55mpg. Pick up an example like this for around £4,000. Add another £1,500 for auto insurance.

Fiat 500 (p.lange/Bigstock.com)

9. Toyota Yaris

You can pick up a 2nd-gen Yaris for around £2,500, offering great handling, efficient engines (delivering around 47mpg) and a superb safety rating. Opt for this over a less refined first generation. And this being a Toyota, you can expect excellent reliability. You'll be stumping up around £4,000 once you've factored in cover.

Toyota Yaris (DDCoral/Bigstock.com)

10. Toyota Aygo/Citroen C1/Peugoet 107

These three models are built in the same plant, only differing in trim and equipment. Find a 2005 model for around £2,000. Reliable, agile and cheap to run (up to 60mpg), this cheeky looking car is a great option for student life. Insurance will be around the £1,600 mark.

Peugeot 107 (sam100/Bigstock.com)