Last updated: 25/11/20
It goes without saying that things are operating differently in 2020. You should always check government coronavirus guidance in your area and take this guidance into consideration when reading any other online content.
Being a student can get costly at times, there’s textbooks, nights out, clubs and society membership fees - the list goes on. However, there are a number of ways you can avoid unessential costs and make your money go further.
Stationary
Now, this may seem like a strange one to start with, considering it is an essential part of your student life. In my opinion, stationary is an avoidable cost for students. There are two options for cutting this out of your budget. The first option is to go digital. Take your laptop to lectures and seminars with you, and make all notes on that. It’s an easy way to keep all of your files in one place, increasing ease of access. It’s also a way to help the environment through limiting the amount of paper used. The second option is to take full advantage of freshers’ fair, and all the freebies on offer. Countless brands give out goodie bags full of pens, pencils and notebooks, so there’s no need to invest in expensive stationary.
Club entry
This is a bit of a tough one, which can often cause disagreements amongst your group of friends. Most clubs offer a guest list or free entry to any clubbers arriving before a set time (usually 11pm). Considering that most clubs charge around £5 to enter after this cut off, it’s a no brainer.
Post-club snacking
It’s not a night out without the trip to the chippy on the way home, but it’s an excessive cost that can be cut. If you can resist the urge of buying some greasy grub after a night out, then you could really notice a difference to your finances. If food is a ‘must have’ on a night out for you, then a simple fix could be to make extras when cooking your evening meal and save it for when you get home from the club.
Fashion purchases
Let’s be honest, as much as you want the latest must-have fashion items, they can be cut out of your budget if needs be. It can be all too tempting to splash out, but keep a tight control over your clothes shopping. Sporadic purchases are okay, but ensure that you don’t buy excessively. If you have mates who are a similar size to you, why not share clothes for nights out and parties? You can mix and match your outfits without the extra cost of buying new.
Budgeting
Should be your new best friend. Planning in advance with what you can spend and when will give you peace of mind, to get on and enjoy your university life. Budget a little extra for miscellaneous items, so you don’t need to worry about any unexpected costs that you may incur during the month.
This post was contributed by MoneySavingHeroes.co.uk. They work with a whole host of household brands to bring you massive savings on your everyday online purchases.