Your university experience is uniquely your own. Whether it’s throwing yourself into a new social life, learning new skills, or perhaps a mixture of the two.
Each student comes away with different stories. However, something that notoriously brings them together is trying to make it through on a student budget.
So here are some tips to help you save money while at university.
Realistic Budget
It was revealed that 80% of students were worried about how to make ends meet. If you’re struggling or worrying about your finances, there are steps you can take.
Give yourself a realistic budget to follow so you know what you can and can’t afford. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re overwhelmed by the word budget.
If needed, you could get a part-time job to help boost your funds. Or you could look into an extra student loan to help bridge the gap between payments.
Nights Out
Going out is a big part of university life for most students. Though if you’re not much of a drinker then you’re already saving money compared to your peers.
However, if you are a big fan of bars and clubs, there are ways to have a cheap night out. Lots of venues offer student nights and discounts, so make the most of these.
Take cash out of the start of the night and tell yourself that’s your budget. While it’s tempting to use your card to get the next round in, your future self will thank you in more ways than one.
Student Discounts
A big perk of being a student is the discount you get. There are hundreds of companies in the UK which offer it, though they might not always make it obvious.
If you’re out shopping, there’s no harm in asking a member of staff whether they offer student discounts. You could potentially save yourself some cash.
Remember to carry your student card around with you, just in case.
Library
Most courses at uni have recommended reading and these books don’t tend to come cheap. Check social media pages for your university to see if students are selling secondhand books.
You can also borrow books from the library. Don’t worry about buying your entire reading list.
Enjoy your time at university and don’t let your financial worry get in your way. There are plenty of ways you can save money and make memories. Do you have any money-saving tips?