You’ve probably heard the news… living costs are on the rise! We know most students have to manage on a tight budget – it comes as part of the territory. It’s also why many students are extremely savvy when it comes to making savings.
Here’s our top tips for managing those precious pennies and make your cash stretch that little bit further.
1. Get your budget in order and make a plan
It might sound boring but being in control of your finances can make your student life more enjoyable and avoid unnecessary debt in the future. Firstly, you need to establish what money you will have coming in and going out. This will help you work out how much money you have to live off each week. To get you started, here’s some of the main living costs for students:
| Expense | Approx Cost p/w |
|---|---|
| Rent | £150* |
| Food | £25 |
| Clothing | £10 |
| Phone | £5 |
| Leisure (Gym/fitness/sports) | £5 |
| Subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Prime etc | £5 |
| Utility bills | £0 (if living in UA92 accommodation |
| Travel | £10 |
| Going out | £15 |
*prices start from
2. Always ask if student discount is available
Whether you’re doing your weekly shop or booking a getaway – it’s always worth asking if you can get student discount. Often, you’ll only need your student ID to claim extra discounts in hundreds of shop, eateries and entertainment venues. So, even if you can’t see student discount advertised – it’s always worth an ask.
3. Check online for exclusive offers and the best giveaways
Websites such as UNiDAYS make it even easier to find exclusive student offers on big name brands in fashion, technology, fitness and food. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, you can download the app for instant access to the latest deals for students. Join for free as soon as you get your UA92 email address and start saving from day one.
4. Make use of the digital library
Gone are the days when you have to load up on expensive text books or wait for books to be returned to the library. Many of the academic texts, papers and learning materials you will need for your studies, can be accessed online via our Digital Library.
5. Find part-time work
The best way to increase your budget is to give your income a boost. Many UA92 students find the fixed timetable makes it easier to manage a part-time job around their studies. Social content creators, football coaches, care assistants and reporters – are just some of the part-time roles our students are managing alongside their studies. What’s more, the Student Experience Team are on hand to help you find the perfect opportunity.
Managing on a budget is never easy, but it’s important to remember, you are not on your own. Your fellow students are likely to be in the same boat and keen to share money-saving ideas and budgeting tips. Plus, UA92 students have access to Blackbullion, a platform designed to build your money skills and improve financial well-being, and if you have any worries or concerns around your student finances, you can always talk directly to the Student Experience Team. Get in touch with them at [email protected]
