Top Tips for Students on a Budget!
Is your student loan now starting to dwindle a little bit after the initial euphoria (and expenditure?!) of freshers? Well, don't worry too much as Miss Parker, our very own bargain hunter, has put together some useful tips on where to save some pennies... so your social life doesn't suffer too much!
There are many things about being a student that are appealing; living with your friends, and having a brilliant social life all whilst studying something that you love (hopefully.) However, this can all come at a price. All of us may know from experience (well I certainly do) that it is challenging to stretch out a student loan when there are many opportunities that come your way encouraging you to spend your cash! Never mind spending the majority of it on things like rent, bills, and general essentials!
To make sure your bank account doesn't decrease to a single digit number, it’s a good idea budget and bargain hunting can help massively. The following tips should help you stick to a plan and have more money to spend on yourself.
1. Make a Shopping List
Sticking to a list can always be difficult especially once you see all of your favourite foods staring you in the face. My best tip is to go on a full stomach and only buy the things you really need and can’t do without. Buy store-brands if possible and buy things that are on offer, this is a great way to save your money. What student wants to spend all their money on food instead of alcohol anyway?
2. Shop Around
I personally found that shops like Tesco and Sainsbury's sell the exact same product at a much higher price, compared to shops like Home Bargains and Iceland. Before you do your weekly shop, take a walk to the different stores in town to make sure you’re getting the best bargains on your usual buys. After all you could be saving at least £5 a week by doing this.
3. Avoid the Kebab Shop
You’re on your way home from another night of clubbing and drinking doubles all night. It’s time for something greasy, and you can already smell the kebab shop around the corner...Stop! Buying fast food every night your out is going to take its toll on your bank balance. If you’re serious about sticking to a budget try going home to a pot noodle or some toast. Cheap and cheerful, and let’s face it, anything is tasty when you've had a drink!
4. Get a Job
I'm aware that not every course gives you the time to put your all into studying and also work part time, if you think you can balance it then go for it. If you can’t, try taking part in paid surveys online or market research focus groups. Surveycompare.net will pay you up to £5 per survey you complete. Sarosresearch.com will also pay you up to £100 for taking part in a focus group which both can be an advantage to your budget.
5. Make Use of Student Discount
You can save a lot from student discount with an NUS Extra Card, this only costs £12 for the year and if you’re a first year, it’s free. The card entitles you to 150 offers and discounts, including the cinema tickets, retailers like Topshop and also for a variety of bars and restaurants. Other websites which are useful for offers, discounts and budgeting are, studentbeans.com and studentmoneysaver.co.uk
By N.Parker
