Money. It is the one thing that fills all Uni students with both excitement and dread. The termly text most people get from Student Finance highlighting the sum of money going into your bank account encourages a massive spending spree for most students, leaving them skint within days. This guide will help you to make your money last longer.
Here are my Top Tips:
1) Make a weekly budget in which you include your income and outcome sources
Ingoings:
- Your student loan
- Any money from your parents
- Your wage from a job
- Any savings you are willing to spend
Outgoings:
- Rent
- Food shopping
- Utility bills
- Phone Bill
- University supplies
- Travel to University
Once you have calculated both your ingoings and outgoings, you should then be able to see how much is left for you to spend on whatever you like, e.g., alcohol, takeaways, clothes etc.
2) Shop Wisely
Food is one of the biggest expenditures for Uni students. Many go to the nearest shop to do their weekly shopping, which is most likely to be a Sainsbury’s or a Tesco. If you are able to make it to Aldi or Lidl, you are much more likely to get better value for your money. Don’t forget to dig in the bins at Aldi, there is always a bargain to be found there!
3) Meal Prep
Meal prepping is the perfect way to make sure your food does not go off or to waste. If you are able to find a few spare hours to make a large dish of chilli or spag bol to use up all your fresh ingredients and then put the meals in the freezer, it will make your food last for longer, as well as save you time in the long run.
4) Student deals
Make use of your Student ID card and claim the deals it has to offer. Download apps such as UniDays and Student Beans to get money off your favourite brands.
5) Pre drinking
Now, we are all aware that students like to go out and party. But at what cost? It is easy to end up spending £40 on a night out. Make sure to drink before you go out to avoid the inevitable damage.
6) Set up a Student Bank Account
Student bank accounts can be handy as they offer incentives such as larger overdrafts or railcards which allow cheap train fares.
Although these tips are useful in saving money, it may also be a good idea to try and make money through tutoring, promoting or becoming a student ambassador at your University.
Words by: Ella Morris
Edited by: Giulia Marselli