Money Saving Student Tips!

Most student’s biggest concern is often money and budgeting; as let’s face it, when the student loan money comes in, it is hard to not spend it all without even realising. After almost three years of having left home, it’s fair to say I have had to learn how to manage my money and make it last for the whole month. In this week’s blog, I am going to take you through a couple of my savvy money tips when it comes to managing your money at uni. 

 

First things first… food shopping. 

 

Saving some money on your student food shop doesn't have to mean making huge sacrifices. In fact, these few tips aim to maximise what you get from the supermarket, minimising how much you spend without you even noticing many changes.

- MAKE A LIST -

One thing I have realised is that going shopping without a list can be deadly. As good as it may feel to walk around the supermarket picking up anything that catches your eye (in my case any type of snack seems to call my name) when you go to cook a meal, you might not be so happy. By making a vague meal plan for the week it ensures that you buy only and exactly what you need.

- SEEK OUT THE BEST OWN BRAND VERSIONS -

While there are some things I refuse to skimp on (sorry but its Heinz or nothing), there are plenty of other products that you can shop around for. After being a loyal Aldi lover ever since moving out it has made me realise how many things you can get for less compared to a usual Tesco shop at home. Seeking own brand versions is definitely a case of trial and error but you’d be amazed at how much you can save if you switch out some of the usual household names. For example, Honey Cheerios are a personal fave of mine. Tesco sell these for £2.60 whereas you can get the same from Aldi for only 79p! I can confirm they are just as yummy. Anyway enough of me being an Aldi rep. My next tip is about shopping hungry. 

- SHOPPING HUNGRY -

 

We have all done this next one. Shopping when your tummy is rumbling is a lethal flaw that you can subconsciously make that causes you to spend more on your weekly shop. Shopping when you are not hungry or even writing and sticking to a list can eliminate this. 

 

Uni expenses can be rough at times, especially when you start out and aren’t sure what you need. 

- BE CAREFUL WITH SOCIETIES -

 

When you first start university, freshers are faced with hundreds of eager societies, all begging for memberships. As enticing as it may be to sign up for every club possible, only join societies you can see yourself actually sticking with throughout the year. You’ll regret say a £60 society membership that you haven’t made the most of when it comes to the end of the semester.

- BUY SECOND HAND -

 

Buying uni books is something that is a big ouch to your bank account, something that I had never anticipated prior to starting university. If you are faced with the burden of having to invest in several class textbooks (I unfortunately was) buying second hand is something you should definitely consider. I found a brilliant website that sells second-hand books that has had ones for all my business subjects (https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb) at very affordable prices – some even under a tenner. Other places to look are eBay and Amazon – not to mention the university pages for students. 

 

One of the main (and most annoying) issues with textbooks is that they are often updated and your lecturer may insist that you need the most recent issue. This is normally not the case however and you can save some money on buying an older edition book (this is something that I wish I had been told sooner). That being said once you’ve finished with your books you shouldn’t have too much trouble selling them on to other students in years below.