What I Spend in a Week as a Graduate

About the author: Hi, I’m Emily Bath! I’m a Leeds Beckett University Media, Communication, and Cultures graduate. I’m definitely a homebody at heart and love getting lost in a good book, but I also enjoy heading out for a hike, catching up with friends, or discovering new playlists to keep me motivated while working.

Graduating from university comes with a lot of excitement, but it also comes with a new set of financial realities. After living independently for several years, it’s surprisingly difficult to go back to the way things were before university.

You’ve become used to having your own space, managing your own money, and making your own decisions. Even if moving home helps reduce some costs, there are still social plans, travel expenses, and all the little purchases that add up throughout the week.

Everyone’s finances look different, but I thought I’d share a realistic look at the kinds of things I spend money on in a typical week as a graduate.

Students sat around a kitchen table

My weekly spends as a graduate

Food shopping

You’ve probably heard people talk about meal planning and thought, “I don’t want to eat the same thing every day.” Neither do I. But having a rough plan for your meals can save both time and money, especially once you start working full-time.

Depending on where I shop and what I need, I typically spend around £30–£45 a week on food. While it’s tempting to grab lunch out every day for work, those costs can quickly add up to £50+ a week before you’ve even bought food for home.

My biggest tip is to plan a few meals for the week, make a shopping list, and stick to it. A little planning goes a long way, and once you get into the habit, it makes a huge difference.

Socialising

One thing that hasn’t changed since university is my love of a coffee shop visit. Whether it’s meeting friends or treating myself after a productive morning, these little purchases can add up.

Since graduating and moving into full-time work, I’ve found myself spending more on coffee and brunch catch-ups than I ever did at university. Once you’ve moved home, it’s finally time to reconnect with all those friends you haven’t properly seen in months or even years. A typical week for me might include a coffee after work or a brunch at the weekend, which can easily add £15–£20 to my weekly spending.

It’s money I’m happy to spend because maintaining friendships is important. These social catchups are one of the best parts of post-grad life, and I’ve learned it’s worth planning and budgeting for them just like any other weekly expense.

However, if you find this a stretch, you could always do a free activity with friends, such as taking a visit to your local park. That’s one way to save a tenner!

Friends laughing together

Travel

Travel is one of my more consistent weekly expenses. I usually spend around £20 a week on fuel getting to and from work, so it’s something I always factor into my budget.

To balance this out, I try to save money on travel at weekends where I can. If I’m heading into a city or meeting friends somewhere accessible by public transport, I’ll often get the train or bus instead of driving. It helps reduce fuel costs and parking fees.

If you’re in the capital, check out this blog on how to travel around London on a budget.

Budgeting tips for graduates

While finances can feel overwhelming after graduation, a few simple habits can make a big difference:

  • Track your spending for a few weeks, so you know where your money is actually going. Use a money-saving app to help.
  • Create a realistic budget that still allows room for social activities and treats.
  • Plan meals in advance to reduce food waste and unnecessary spending.
  • Build an emergency fund, even if it’s only a small amount each month. Having something to fall back on is just one advantage of saving money.
  • Remember that comparison isn’t helpful; everyone’s financial situation after university is different.

While costs can add up quickly, being aware of where your money goes is often the first step towards feeling more confident and in control of your finances. The goal isn’t to stop spending altogether; it’s simply learning how to make your money work for the lifestyle you want as you begin life beyond university.

Ten pound note

Manage your budget with Split The Bills

If you want to know how much you’ll be spending on utility bills each month as a graduate, take a look at the packages with Split The Bills.

Packages include energy, water, broadband, and an optional TV Licence, and are divided fairly between professional house sharers. This means you know how much to budget each month for bills – simple!

 

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the Split The Bills Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Split The Bills. Split The Bills accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.

Split The Bills is not a financial advisor. This should not be considered as professional financial advice. Do your own research & consult a professional financial advisor before making any financial decisions!