About the author:
My name is Sophie and I’m an MA student in International Public and Political Communications at the University of Sheffield. Currently Arts and Theatre Editor at Forge Press and Editor at EdFringe Review, I have also written for Liberty Belle Magazine, Wild Magazine, The PolSoc Paper and The Liberator. I am a keen thespian with the Sheffield University Theatre Company (SUTCo), and also have interests in culture, LGBTQ+ issues and political science.
University can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to shop savvy and free up funds!
Let’s not kid ourselves — university isn’t cheap. Tuition fees, living expenses, food and learning resources (and that’s before you’ve even made it to the pub!). But that doesn’t mean you can’t save a few pennies here and there along the way. After my four years at university, here are my tips for taking note of your notes.
1. Best Home Cook
Now that you’ve moved out of home, it’s about time you learnt how to cook properly. Not only does it give you essential skills and ensures you don’t go hungry, it’s also a fantastic way to lower your food bills. By avoiding eating out all the time, or switching a takeaway for some of your own cooking, you’ll quickly see the pennies pile up.
2. Bye Bye, Brands
Whilst you wander around the supermarket doing your weekly shop, pay attention to what you’re picking up. Consider switching your branded items to the shop’s own. Identical in every way besides the price tag, you won’t taste the difference, but your bank balance will see it.
3. Get It Yourself
On those occasions where we all fall victim to temptation and decide to get a takeaway, a simple way to get the price down is to go and collect it yourself! Not only will you save on delivery fees and the share taken by food delivery apps, but some outlets even offer collection-only deals — perfect for getting the best of both worlds!
4. Save the Planet and Your Pocket
If you’ve tried #2 and found that bearable, why not keep your walking shoes on and get some real use out of them. By walking to campus or around the area, or using a bike if you have one, you instantly reduce your public transport spending to zero; this is also a great way to help reduce your own carbon footprint, and if the route is right, possibly even eliminate the need for a gym membership!
5. (Not So) Gym Bro
Even if your commute isn’t enough to fulfil your exercise dreams, do you really need the gym anyway? There’s plenty of exercises you can do at home and in your local area, from running to sports clubs and more – and with how expensive gym memberships can be, why not save the money and curl your purse for 30 reps?
6. Charity Shops Galore!
Don’t underestimate the humble charity shop — you’ll learn to find all sorts of treasures in these unassuming goldmines. Cheap prices, quality items that you didn’t know existed and giving money to good causes; what’s not to love?
7. ‘Please Sir, I Want a Discount’
Being a student comes with great power, and great responsibility… to take advantage of the myriad of student discounts you have available. Get in the habit of asking (and keeping your student ID on you) and who knows where may become your shop of choice!
Alternatively, check out our blog posts on the best food & drink discount for students and the best student fashion discounts. Easy!
8. Have a Night In
Contrary to popular belief, students are under no requirement to go out clubbing every night of the week. Whilst the BBC hunts me down to learn more about this shocking revelation, get Netflix up and enjoy a film in bed and just see how much money you’ll save if you do this a few nights every week.
9. Cheap Thrills
Every society, activity and event you go to comes at a price. Some are more than others, some are as cheap as chips, and some are entirely free! With price definitely not corresponding with quality (from my experience), don’t be afraid to join that cheaper or free local group; if it’s something you enjoy, why pay for it?
10. Be Realistic
Whenever you try to use any of these tips, remember to be realistic with yourself. If you’re a gym girl or a Heinz guy, don’t give up something you genuinely enjoy for a few savings if you don’t want to. However, ask yourself questions when you do; are you ever going to go to Scuba Diving Society? Do you really want another pizza this week? Be honest with yourself, and your purse will be that bit heavier!
As soon as you get to university, you’ll get the hang of it. And if you’re already there, give one of these a go today!
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.