Gender stereotypes have been challenged as it was revealed male students are worse with their money than females.

The Guardian reports young men at university spend more time talking on the phone, buying cloths and eating out with friends than women, according to a survey by the Student Loans Company.

The SLC found boy only skimp on rent while girls are always shopping around for bargains - saving nearly £1,500 a year.

Beer accounts for much of the spending by boys who spend £76 a month in pubs and clubs compared to the £46 by girls. Food (£76 verses £60), clothes (£34 compared to £31) and phone calls (£29 verses £22) were all shown to be bigger expenses for male students rather than females - going against gender stereotypes.

The research claims girls are often better at finding deals for phones, broadband and utilities while around half buy second hand text books compared to a third of boys.

The results are in line with the SLC's previous statistics that boys apply for their loans later than girls and some miss the deadline as a result.

Andy Topham, assessment manager for the SLC, said: "Our research shows that female students are the best at applying for their student finance – online and on time. September might seem a long way off, but it is really important that students act now and don't wait until their place at university has been confirmed.

"Students can apply now by visiting Studentfinance. This is the best way to make sure they get the first installment of their loan at the start of the term at university. There is also a calculator on the website that students can use to work out how much money they are entitled to."