Here are 15 ways you can save money at university.
Set a budget and stick to it
One of the best personal finance skills anyone can learn is how to budget. Start off by adding up your monthly income then make a list of your monthly outgoings. Use this information to set a monthly budget and try to stick to it.
Buy second-hand textbooks
With some textbooks costing as much as £70-80, it makes sense to try to buy these second-hand. Better still, borrow them for free from the library. Read more about cheaper university textbooks here.
Use student discounts
One of the best perks of being a student is getting student discounts on thousands of different brands. Read more tips about making the most of your student discount here.
Get software for free
Most universities offer students free access to software such as Microsoft Office. Simply sign up using your university login credentials.
Shop smart in the supermarket
Go shopping at the end of the day as this is when supermarkets usually reduce their perishable stock that needs to be sold that day.
Take a packed lunch
On-campus and city centre coffee shops and food outlets can be pretty pricey. Let’s say you buy lunch 3 days per week at a cost of £5 each day. That’s over £500 a year – this could be more if you buy a takeaway coffee before your morning lectures.
Give yourself an extra 10 minutes each morning to prepare a packed lunch. You could also cook extra at mealtimes and save the leftovers for lunch.
Find free WiFi
With free WiFi available in most public places there is no need to pay for extra or unlimited mobile phone data. This will reduce your monthly mobile phone bill by a considerable amount.
Get money off vouchers for staying off your phone
Yes, you read that correctly. Did you know there is an app that rewards you with points for every 20 minutes you stay off your phone? These points can then be exchanged for discount vouchers or entries into prize draws.
Hold is an app that rewards you with points for every 20 minutes you stay off your phone.
Avoid printing or use your university print allowance
Save the pennies and the environment by avoiding printing at university. Most universities charge around 10p per page if you use the on-campus printers. Of course, if your university offers you a print allowance, use this to print your essays and coursework.
If you live in a shared flat, buy in bulk and share with your flatmates
Many non-perishable items such as cleaning products, toiletries, snacks etc can be purchased in bulk for a lower price. If you live in a flat with other students pool together and buy these in bulk to save money.
Sign up for loyalty cards
Most retailers have an app which lets you store your loyalty card on your phone making it even easier to collect points. Instead of searching through your wallet for your card, you can simply tap your phone.
After you earn a certain number of points (or stamps) you can trade these for freebies, money off coupons or even vouchers for other retailers.
Earn vouchers by completing online surveys
There are many online survey websites such as ipsos i-say, Swagbucks, YouGov etc which will reward you with points in exchange for giving your opinion. You can exchange these points for vouchers for many high street retailers and supermarkets.
Get cash back when shopping
Sign up for cash back sites such as Quidco or Swagbucks and claim some money back when you shop online. Thousands of retailers are included on cashback sites and the amount you can get back usually ranges between 2%-10% (sometimes even more).
Get a cheaper gym membership
Whilst membership of a fancy state-of-the-art health club may sound appealing, it is likely to set you back at least £50 per month. Your university will likely have its own gym facilities available with discounted rates for students.
Check out our guide to cheaper gym memberships.
Swap to own brand at the shops
Thousands of own-brand products are just as good as those with a fancy label. Ditch the high-end brands and try out supermarket’s own brands to save money and still get the same products. Things like own-brand cleaning products, coffee/tea, pasta, soup or even painkillers are just as good.
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