Introduction
There are many ways that students in the UK can save money, from buying split-fare train tickets to shopping secondhand and availing themselves of student discounts and free or cheap supermarket freebies.
The following are some of our best tips for living on a shoestring budget while studying in the UK and still enjoying everything it has to offer and making lifelong experiences.
1. Seek out student discounts in-person and online
Familiarize yourself with student discounts. There are student discounts available in a lot of places in the UK, such as restaurants, movie theaters, galleries, gyms, high street shops, and online subscription services like Spotify. Most of them advertise the discount publicly, but if they do not, then just ask.
Getting a National Union of Students (NUS) TOTUM card is a good first step. Hundreds of student discounts are available to members, and more fantastic businesses are joining each month. For university students, UNiDAYS also offers free membership with savings.
2. Shop smart and sustainable
A number of supermarkets can usually be found in most towns and cities. You can find just about anything in the large superstore-style stores, and the hours of operation are extremely varied. A’metro’ (or smaller) supermarket or convenience shop, which tend to be open until 11:00 and later, is a good place to get food and other supplies if it is getting late.
Purchase from inexpensive supermarkets.
However, it is also important to shop smart on a college budget. We recommend heading to Morrisons, Lidl, or Aldi, three of the UK’s most student-friendly supermarkets, as “local” smaller retailers are often much more pricey. These shops will give you basic weekly shopping for as little as £20–30.
Buy in bulk and shop at store closing times
Plan your meals in advance, make a shopping list, and, if it makes sense for you, buy in bulk to reduce your grocery expenses. To see what’s in the discounted department, go to the supermarket at the end of the day or right before closing, and avoid going when you are hungry. Buy supermarket-owned products to save even more money because they offer superior value.
Quality food items without the price tag
Additionally, TooGoodToGo offers premium fresh ingredients if you’re not in the mood to cook but yet want to avoid the expense of “eating out.” A ‘Magic Bag’ consisting of unsold products from that day is available for purchase; it is a surprise until you pick it up. Everything will be getting close to its best before or use-by date, and you’ll just pay a small portion of the original cost.
For example, the Magic Bag from Costa Coffee is £3. This allows you to save up to £10 worth of delectable and substantial food like salads, sandwiches, toast, cakes, and pastries. They can also be frozen and used later on.
3. Prepare food at home and cook your own meals
If you want to save hundreds or thousands of pounds per school year, then start cooking most of your meals at home. You will immediately start saving money, and if you have never cooked before, you will learn a new skill for life. Cooking can even be shown to be cheaper and better since it‘s easier to eat what you like and what suits your diet. Many student recipes, such as those from BBC Good Food, are available online to help you cook fast, healthily, and affordably.
Batch cook to save time and money
Batch cooking, or cooking in large quantities, is a common practice among students. It is an excellent way of making sure that you will always have meals when you need to, especially for people who might not be in a position to cook daily, or wish to consume all those ingredients in a single setting. You will certainly find a few microwaves around campus for reheating, so use a bit of this “leftovers” for some lunch in between. ‘Batch cook swaps’ is a means for some students to have variety in their meal without much hassle. Otherwise, share the ingredients cost and prepare and clean up in shifts.
4. Buy textbooks, clothes, and furniture second-hand
Buying second-hand is a swift, easy, and green way to save a fortune on just about anything you may need or want to purchase while attending school: clothing, furniture, academic texts.
Books
Used books except from Amazon, eBay, AbeBooks, and The Book Depository are great sources for shopping online for textbooks–or any book you would like to read.
Charity shops
Charity shops sell nearly everything-literally-and at a decent price. Nothing beats a charity shop bargain, whether it is shopping in the town high street or online. You get whatever you want and donate money at the same time to the causes the charity was raised to support, so it is a win-win. In the UK, some of the most recognizable charity shops include Oxfam, the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Shelter, and Mind.
Find and sell second-hand items online (of every type).
You could find a second-hand kitchen, furniture, or even the kitchen sink (although you are unlikely to need one) on Gumtree, Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace.
5. Get food and household items for free
It is more than a surprise to learn that there are giveaway platforms in the UK where you can get high-quality, occasionally expensive products free of charge. These include clothes, food, plants, among other home items that individuals and businesses are giving away. You can give back to the community at the end of your studies or even mid-year with your goodies.
Free community giveaways
For example, Olio connects neighbors who would happily take food that people need to share but no longer require or want. Local bakeries, restaurants, and huge supermarkets like Tesco all advertise food close to expiring so you may take it home for free. You can also add your own items to the list, such as any leftover food you might not be able to eat before you leave town for a few days or more. It will be gladly removed from your hands by someone.
Collective ‘freecycling’
Again, about free item exchange, Freecycle is another winner, although mainly for clothing, electronics, and household items. You can post actively about anything you would like to give or receive, or you can join one or more town groups in your local area and just keep an eye out for something that you might be looking for. From there, you can organize a pick-up time and place with whoever is interested after other members respond.
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Conclusion
In the UK, saving money as a student requires careful preparation and maximizing available resources. Little routines, such as budgeting your monthly costs or using student discounts, can add up to significant savings over time. Every little effort matters, whether it’s cooking at home, taking public transportation, or looking for free entertainment choices. Remember that practicing sound money management while you are a student will lay a solid basis for future money management.
FAQs About: How to Save Money as a Student in the UK
What are the best ways for students in the UK to save on groceries?
Buy from low-cost stores such as Asda, Lidl, or Aldi. Cut down food waste by finding sales, buying in bulk, and meal planning.
How can I cut down on my transportation costs in the UK?
Get a Student Oyster Card in London or use student discount cards, like the 16-25 Railcard, while traveling by train. Another great way to save money is to walk or ride a bike.
Do students in the UK get any discounts?
Indeed! To get discounts on food, entertainment, and shopping, join UNiDAYS or TOTUM. You can get student discounts at most places and services by showing your student ID.
Shared accommodation: How do I pay my utility bills?
To find the best deals for energy and internet, use comparison websites like uSwitch. You may also find it easier to pay if you split the cost with housemates.
What free entertainment options are there for UK students?
Go to free parks and museums, go to activities held by the institution, or look into free online workshops and classes.
