As a student in the UK, managing your finances can be a challenge. Between tuition fees, rent, and living expenses, it can be difficult to make your student budget stretch. However, with a little bit of planning and effort, there are many ways to save money and make the most of your student budget.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 ways for students to save money in the UK. From sharing accommodation to buying used textbooks on Amazon, we will provide you with practical tips and advice to help you reduce your expenses and make the most of your student experience. So whether you’re a new student or a seasoned veteran, read on to discover how you can save money during your time in the UK.

  1. Rent

As mentioned earlier, sharing accommodation with other students is a great way to reduce your housing costs. However, there are other things to consider when looking for affordable housing.

Firstly, location is key. Living in a trendy area of town may seem appealing, but it can come with a hefty price tag. Consider living further away from campus, where rent tends to be cheaper. I remember in from my time in Leeds that Hedingley was more popular but more expensive and Hyde Park (which was actually closer to the university) was cheaper.

Another option is to consider living in university-owned accommodation. These are often cheaper than private rentals, and you may also benefit from additional amenities such as cleaning services and security.

Do you remember the story of student who figured out she would save thousands by staying in Travelodge and Premier Inn hotels instead of student housing?

  1. Food

Eating out can be expensive, but so can buying groceries. One way to save money on food is to plan your meals in advance. This means making a grocery list and sticking to it, so you don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Check out our Iceland student discount page as they always have great deals to get free delivery too!

Another option is to buy in bulk. This is particularly useful for non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, and canned goods. Buying in bulk can also help you save money on snacks and other treats. One great way of doing this is through free student Amazon Prime delivery.

Finally, consider cooking in batches and freezing meals. This can save you time and money, as you can simply reheat a pre-made meal instead of cooking from scratch every day. We love the book Ice Kitchen which has loads of great recipes and ideas.

Also if you are going out to eat then we couldn’t recommend Tastecard enough. There is a trial for 3 months for £1 and you get some great discounts on Pizza Hut, Burger King, Papa Johns and lots more besides.

  1. Textbooks

Textbooks can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on them. Firstly, check if your university has a library where you can borrow textbooks for free. Alternatively, you can buy used textbooks online or from second-hand bookstores.

Another option is to share textbooks with other students. This means you can split the cost of a textbook and each take turns using it.

  1. Entertainment

Entertainment can be a major expense for students, but there are ways to save money on it. Firstly, look for student discounts. Many venues offer discounted tickets for students, so be sure to ask when buying tickets.

Another option is to look for free or low-cost events. Many cities and towns have free festivals, concerts, and other events that are open to the public.

Finally, consider volunteering at events. Many festivals and concerts offer free tickets to volunteers, so you can enjoy the event for free while also gaining valuable work experience.

  1. Transportation

Transportation can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on it. Firstly, walk or bike instead of taking public transport or driving. This not only saves you money, but it’s also good for your health and the environment.

If you do need to take public transport, look for student discounts. Many bus and train companies offer discounted fares for students, so be sure to ask. For example there is a National Express student discount and Megabus student discount available.

Another option is to buy a season ticket or pass. This can save you money if you use public transport frequently.

  1. Clothing

Clothing can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on it. Firstly, shop at thrift stores or consignment shops. You can find good quality clothes for a fraction of the price.

Another option is to shop online. Many online retailers offer student discounts, so be sure to check for discounts before making a purchase.

Also make sure you get your student discount. We have a fantastic A to Z of student discounts and there are a lot of clothing retailers included.

Finally, consider swapping clothes with friends. This means you can get new clothes without spending any money.

  1. Technology

Technology can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on it. Firstly, consider buying refurbished or second-hand technology. Many retailers offer refurbished laptops, phones, and other electronics that work just as well as new ones. Ebay is particularly good for refurbished tech.

Another option is to look for student discounts. Many technology companies offer discounted prices for students, so be sure to check for discounts before making a purchase.

  1. Utilities

Utilities such as electricity and gas can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on them. Firstly, try to conserve energy by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use. This can help reduce your electricity bill.

Another option is to switch to a cheaper utility provider. There are many comparison websites that can help you find the cheapest utility provider in your area.

Finally, consider sharing utility bills with your roommates. This means you can split the cost of bills and save money.

  1. Mobile Phones

Mobile phones can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on them. Firstly, consider buying a second-hand phone. You can find good quality phones for a fraction of the price.

Another option is to look for student discounts. Many mobile phone companies offer discounted prices for students, so be sure to check for discounts before making a purchase. We have some great EE student discount, O2 student discount and Vodafone student discount pages which has the latest student discounts you are entitled to.

Finally, consider switching to a pay-as-you-go plan. This means you only pay for the calls and texts you use, and you won’t be tied into a long-term contract.

  1. Banking

Banking fees can add up, but there are ways to avoid them. Firstly, look for a student bank account that offers free banking. Many banks offer free banking for students, so be sure to compare different bank accounts before making a decision.

Another option is to avoid using your overdraft. Overdraft fees can be expensive, so try to live within your means and avoid going into your overdraft.

Finally, consider setting up a budget and sticking to it. This means you can keep track of your expenses and avoid overspending.

Summary

In conclusion, there are many ways for students to save money in the UK. By following these tips, you can reduce your expenses and make the most of your student budget. Remember, small changes can add up to big savings over time. Good luck and happy saving!

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