Top 10 Student Money Saving Tips

It’s the end of freshers and you’re either really tired or hungover, blankly staring at this article. Or, you are keen and ready to start doing some real work! Either way, like many of us hardcore partiers, you probably don’t want to look at your bank account. With a variety of icebreaker socials coming up, like Rollerblading, Halloween, and the daunting prospect of buying Christmas Presents, you’re probably a bit skint right now.

However, we have your back! The Dancesport committee have got together to come up with their best money-saving tips to save us all from exceeding our overdrafts. Here’s the list!

Budgeting – Rachel Holmes
Figure out how much money you have for the year and divide it by the number of weeks of your course. Then, set a reasonable amount of money aside for rent, bills, and food, and see how much you have left. The answer is probably very little per week, but this is what’s left for sports activities, SAM membership, nights out, socials, etc. But don’t worry! Dancesport will be having a few zero-spend socials because we are all in the same boat!
Walk or Cycle – Marwa Ramsi
Don’t be a slave to money-burning, global warming-fueling cars, taxis or public transport. Keep fit, save money and save the planet!
Aldi is your friend – Cameron
The Treasurer himself has spoken! Shopping at cheaper places like Aldi and Asda will save you anywhere between £3-10 a week on an average shop. That’ll save you £96 - £320 a year! Why would you shop anywhere else?
Meal planning – Rachel Holmes
Plan what meals you’re going to have, preferably stick to a few rather then trying to eat something different for every meal. Also, think economically, try and make one ingredient into many different meals so you aren’t buying a bit of everything each week. If I buy a large amount of mince one week, I can make spaghetti bolognaise, tacos, chilli con carne and lasagne.
Cooking bulk meals and freezing the leftovers. – Rachel Holmes
Although Rachel swears by it, I was a bit sceptical. I like variety in my meals but I tried it out anyway. And actually, not only does it save you money, you don’t have to worry about cooking every evening/lunchtime, especially after a long day of dancing and you don’t waste ingredients by letting them go bad in the fridge. I sorted out the variety thing by bulk cooking three meals over two weeks so I alternated. Healthy ‘microwave’ meals at a fraction of the price.
If you’re drinking for a night out, plan how much you want to drink so you don’t get too excited at the LCR – Hannah Evans
The Social Sec says, having a larger portion of your drinks at pre drinks may save you money later! However, always watch what you’re drinking and be safe!
“Lambrini is a life saver.” – Matt Cornforth
If you’re planning on drinking, a bottle of Lambrini will take you far without taking your wallet out for a ride. Aldi alcohol is also pretty good!
Take only what you need on socials/nights out – Hannah Jones
If you only take a certain amount of cash on a night out and not your card, you are forced to stay on a budget. Don’t forget to always make sure that you have enough for a taxi back just in in case! And on that note, in emergencies, don’t forget the safe taxi scheme!
Always check Unidays. – Matt Cornforth
If you are buying ANYTHING online, instore etc. check the Student Unidays app. It’s a free app that you can use to get discounts on a variety of stores. The NUS card works too if you have one, but I agree with Matt, I always found the Unidays app worked perfectly. Others include; VoucherCloud, O2 Priority and Loyalty cards (Unio have a hot drinks one!). It saves you a bundle! However, don’t just buy something because you can get a discount. That defeats the purpose of saving money! This one may also be good for those buying Christmas presents.
Make use of money saving sites, here are a few I use, including one which is especially good if you pay your bills separate to your rent. Save the environment and your wallet! – Marwa Ramsi
http://www.savethestudent.org/shopping/the-best-money-saving-tips.html
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-guide
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/money-help
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/save-money-on-your-gas-and-bills