University is expensive. Tuition, off campus accommodation, and books are all hefty in price and leave not much money left when it comes to shopping. Whether it’s buying essentials like food and other supplies you will need for studying (highlighters and post-it notes anyone!), or splurging on clothing or décor for your accommodation, it is wise to learn how to make your money stretch further, so you don’t end up in dreaded credit card debt. Below are 5 comprehensive money-saving tips to help you get more bang for your buck.
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Student discount cards and vouchers are your friends.
There are so many different student discount schemes available to use to your advantage here. Whether it’s saving money on your food shop, to savvy savings at favourite high end clothing store, these discount schemes can help you save loads of money. The discounts can be found in a variety of ways:
- Direct discount schemes available through the supermarket: More for Students discount scheme at Morrison’s provides exclusive offers and deals only for students.
- Student discount card: Totum, which has replaced the NUS discount card and is now totally free, and can be used in participating restaurants, supermarkets, even days out.
- Online discount sites: There are lots of online voucher sites that offer student deal vouchers. Also, Unidays is a student discount site that is free to join. Once you have been verified as a student, you can browse exclusive deals from well-known brands, including Apple and Dell.
Other tips regarding using student discount cards, apps and websites are always ask if the store or restaurant offers a student discount and be sure to carry your college or university id card. It’s important to note that Totum cards can be upgraded for £14.99/year and you will be issued a digital card+PASS ID which can function as a valid form of identification for the 18 and over crowd, making buying age restricted items, like beer, or going out to clubs a lot easier and cheaper than buying a provisional licence, which are £34.
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Be smart when doing your weekly supermarket shop.
Weekly food shopping can be expensive if you are not well equipped or knowledgeable. The average student spends £108 a month on food alone, and more cash than you spend on anything else, save accommodation. Luckily, there are many ways to slash the costs here:
- Go shopping later at night: The best time is about 7pm. The reason for this is that is when all the shops reduce all their items that are going out of date and are trying to reduce the amount of food they will have to waste at the end of the night. You can get a fair quantity of decent food, from ready meals to pre-cut vegetables, even decent flowers, if you have a partner or want to spruce up your living space.
- Shop the world food aisle: For staples in your diet like rice, spices, and other sauces if you go to the world food section, you will save money on these items because the brands are less well known, and you are more likely to be able to buy rice in larger quantities as well.
- Shop at budget supermarkets: Your budget supermarkets really shine here. Aldi is a great easy place to buy in bulk and will save you a ton of money in the long run. Not to mention, they have sections of non-food items, like laundry baskets, washing up tubs and other household essentials if you are living in rented accommodation with mates.
- Buy in bulk: If you are sharing accommodation with flatmates, it can be prudent to work out a deal where you buy certain household items-like toilet roll in bulk and split the costs evenly rather than buy it separately. Make sure the bulk price is worth it, because sometimes it’s not actually a saving.
Other things to keep in mind are buying store brand vs name brand items, doing your shops online and using supermarket cash back apps, like Shopmium, which can sometimes reimburse you up to 100% of the cost of some food and drink items that you have purchased.
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Amazon Prime
Time to unwind is important if you are a student and watching movies and tv programs is a good way to do this. Amazon Prime offers student deals that are fantastic for saving money. You get one to two-day delivery, so you can get that last minute book you needed for your class. You can watch great tv and movies that the streaming service provides as well as other exclusive deals. After your trial period, you pay 50% off. The extra bonus? Every time you refer someone, you get £10. It really pays to take advantage of this deal.
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Always use coupons or vouchers where you can.
There are numerous coupons that can help cut costs. If you sign up for supermarket loyalty cards, which are free, you can reap the rewards of coupon saving. Always look for online voucher deals and use the ones that are useful to you. A useful tip is to use a note on your smartphone to have all your voucher codes in one place for speedy convenience. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions before applying a code online or using one in the store.
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Don’t underestimate the power of charity shops.
If you like shopping and have time on your hands, then scoring massive savings and bargains at charity shops is good option. You can find great clothing, houseware items, even good quality shoes, all for a fraction of the cost. Not to mention, spending your money for a good cause. It feels good to help.
Saving money when you are a student is essential. These five tips are easy to follow and will help keep more money in your pocket. That extra money will be useful for the occasional going out with your friends.
Lauren Groff is a writer at State Of Writing services. She writes about shopping. She is a freelance logistical strategist. Lauren helps support growing businesses reach new markets.
