11 money saving tips for students

Being a student can be a nightmare for your bank balance. Especially after freshers’ week. It is important to learn how to live within your means and get the most for your money. Here are some top tips!

Five general tips

1. Get a student bank account

Make the most of student bank accounts. They offer various benefits depending on the bank, such as an interest-free overdraft, a free railcard or sometimes even free money! The limit on the interest-free overdraft is probably the most important thing to look out for so that if you do ever run into your overdraft you will not be charged lots of interest that will be difficult to repay, but it is best to avoid having any overdraft at all.

2. Totum card and other student discounts

A Totum card lets you access over 200 UK discounts from the biggest brands. There are tons of student deals out there that can help you enjoy the activities or brands you love for less. From free entry to museums or zoos to a Domino’s deal or six months’ free Amazon Prime, you can pick your student discounts according to your interests.

3. Online food shopping

Online retailers often have more discounts than high-street supermarkets which will help you on your quest for the best deals. It allows you to be more reflective when buying your food, limiting impulse purchases and even makes a big flat meal affordable by buying in bulk.

Utilise the newly launched online grocery app, 8DOL. The app allows users to order more than 500 grocery items and will pick and deliver orders within 28 minutes.

8DOL has recently launched in Bristol

4. Set clear budgets

Planning is the key. It is essential to know exactly how much you have to spend on food and how much you can spend on other things. Prioritise the essentials and don’t forget to factor in costs that are everyday necessities like your phone bill, or energy and gas bills.

5. Pre’s and cash on a night out

Nights out can be financially crippling. Drinks can rack up costs very fast so it is better to take cash rather than your debit card so that you have a clear limit on how much you spend. Pre-drinks beforehand can also save you from buying more expensive drinks later!

Five Bristol tips

1. Second-hand vintage wavy garms

Bristol is famous for its flamboyant second-hand vintage clothing trend. It is the best way to shake up your style and save money. The city is full of vintage shops, so it is easy to head out on a bargain hunt to liven up your wardrobe.

2. The student bar

The Students’ Union bars at both universities offer heavily discounted drinks so that you can enjoy a pint at an affordable price. They are also a great way to find a part-time job in a flexible and student-friendly environment.

Make use of the Student Union. Photo by Dave Pratt

3. Freshers’ Fair

The annual Freshers’ Fair is the best place to start off getting lots of discounts and freebies. This year the UWE Bristol Freshers’ Fair will be held Friday, September 20 and the University of Bristol’s fair will take place on Friday, September 27.

4. Buy club tickets in advance

Bristol has a varied and vibrant clubbing scene, but with that also comes costs. Tickets sold on the final release can be well over three times the first release tickets, so plan your nights out and get your tickets early to save on club entry.

5. Get the bus, not a taxi

The Unibus U1 that runs between Stoke Bishop student accommodation and the Clifton campus, via the city centre student accommodation, is a necessity for the majority of freshers at the University of Bristol. Plus, if you live in UoB allocated accommodation you have free and unlimited travel on the U1, which runs till 4.30am Monday-Saturday, so you have no excuse to waste money on taxis!

All of UWE Bristol’s campuses are well connected by buses which offer student discount across all services.

6. Become a member of Bristol24/7

Bristol24/7 supporter members get all sorts of free and discounted stuff as well as the chance to win great prizes every month. See opposite for details.

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