Student thrifty tips: saving pounds and stretching the pennies at Uni
The financial landscape is tough for most, but it’s increasingly tight for students especially. With VAT increases, student fee hikes and high property rental prices there is a real need to trim expenses and find savings across the entire lifestyle board. But whilst a small budget needs extra time and attention to detail, it doesn’t have to mean less – here’s our guide to saving pounds and stretching the pennies at uni.
Competitive utilities
Shop around for competitive deals on your household utilities – electricity, gas, broadband, phone and cable should all be checked out thoroughly before making a decision. Speak to providers about any discounts offered to students or multiple-occupancy residences. Pre-pay accounts for electricity and gas are a good way to avoid big bills, though consumers should be aware that it is generally more expensive than quarterly payment. If your landlord hasn’t got Economy7 installed it could be worth asking for it – this can save loads of money by cashing in on cheaper electricity during the night, which is perfect for houses with storage heating.
Don't forget to use a cashback website - they are a brilliant way of getting money back from the purchases you make online, not only on household utilities but online shopping from stores such as Argos, Tesco, Play, Ebay, Halfords etc.
Insurance and banking
If you’re moving out of home for the first time you’ll need to check where you stand with household insurance – your parent’s policy may also cover your possessions, but it may not; if not, research specialist student providers who offer appropriate policy cover at competitive prices. Banking is also a competitive market when it comes to student products, comparisons should be made on interest rates, overdraft facilities, credit cards and the possibilities of post-graduate loans.
Student discounts
Loads of big brand retailers offer students a special discount – so if you’re addicted to shopping and can’t quite curb your fashion thirst make sure you cash in where possible. Reduced rates are often also available at the gym, cinema, night clubs and swimming pool – a NUS card will be needed to verify status.
Clever consumption
A bit of extra care and attention when it comes to food shopping can save literally pounds every week on your supermarket bills. Planning meals ahead might feel a little compulsive but is actually a great way to avoid waste – whilst shopping around can also be worth while. If you have the time to mix and match a little, shoppers will find that comparing prices on everything from olive oil to baked beans can pay dividends.
Efficient entertainment
Student life wouldn’t be student life without a hectic and highly charged nightlife, and whilst no one in the world would want this to change, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. The birth of social recommendation and review sites has spawned all manner of drinking and dining discounts – research on the internet, sign up for newsletters and discounts at your favourite venues and check out advances in geolocation social networking, including Foursquare, where users are tempted with exclusive online offers as they walk past the shop front.
