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This article was produced by Casita

Managing finances as a university student is a huge step and could be tiresome if not taken carefully. Slimming down your costs of living in the UK and planning ahead any extra costs that you might come across is a smart stepÌýso consider the following tips onÌýmanaging finances:

1. Note down your spendings

This is the first and most important step toÌýlearn how to manage money. Students may think that this is an easy taskÌýhowever, without this initial step, you can't plan your budget. Get a notebook and make it just for tracking your expenses and compare it to the estimated amount of money that you should spend on each category such as food, socialising etc. Some international students do it per week and some do it by month, but it has to be done.Ìý

2. Save on food shopping

Shop in big supermarkets to get better deals. Consider cutting down your meat intake, as meat can be quite expensive. Use beans, lentils, pulses and vegetables as your protein intake instead.ÌýFreeze your leftovers and use them to make up another meal.ÌýBuy things one by one so you don’t throw them away when their expiry date passes.

Make use of the manyÌýstudent discounts in the UK. AlsoÌýlook for vouchers as well as special offers and, most importantly, get a loyalty card from your local supermarket.

3. Use student discounts for outings

Hunt for cheap tickets and entry to cinemas and entertainment venues.

Try to find some some high-street restaurants’ discount vouchers. Sign up to receive discounts and emails fromÌýyour favourite restaurants’ websites.

4. Discount cards and secondhand shops

When buying any clothes, make sure you are checking out if anyÌýstudent discounts are available.

Consider shopping at charity shops, secondhand stores and flea markets.ÌýCheck the nearest ones around you and you will find hidden treasures at considerably lower prices.ÌýÌý

At university, international students struggle with buying books because of how expensive they are. In order to save some money go for secondhand books; ask around in your student accommodation and see if anyone is selling theirsÌýor look on social media groups for your course or halls. You should also check your university’s libraryÌý or the local library to see what kind of books they have. You can also see if certain articles or book chapters are available online.Ìý

5. Transport discounts

All public transport in the UK offersÌýa discounted rate for students, so try to get a discount card and use it every time you travel. Full-time students and anyone aged 16-25 can apply for a 16-25 railcardÌýthat saves you a third on rail travel throughout the UK.

A bike is also a good, cheap travel option if you are able to get one.ÌýJust make sure that theÌýstudent accommodation in the UKÌýthat you’re staying in has secure bike storage. Ìý

6. On-budget student accommodation in the UK

ChoosingÌýstudent accommodation that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle is not an easy decision. You have to consider a lot of things, like its location, cost, facilities, and transportation links. Considering these aspects will save you a lotÌýof money -Ìýbeing near your university/college will make travelling back and forth seamless and lower the cost right down. In order to also make sure that setting your budget plan is effective, try to choose a student accommodation that has all-inclusive bills, which means that you won’t have to pay any extra bills for water, electricity, and heat.

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