Six ways to save money at uni

21st October 2021

Looking to make your budget stretch further? Say goodbye to living off pot noodle – we’re here to help! 

1. Rethink your budget with a no-spend day   

Have you thought about taking on a no-spend day challenge? As the name suggests, identify one day a week when you will not spend any money. Even an expense as small as a coffee on the way to lectures can add up. Cutting out that takeaway cuppa each week could save you £150 by the end of the year. It all adds up! 

 

2. 16-25 Railcard, it’s a no-brainer. 

For just £30 a year, get ⅓ off rail travel. A Railcard pays for itself in just one or two journeys, so you’re likely to start making savings by the time you make the first visit back home.    

The cost of a three-year 16-25 Railcard is just £70 – so you can save £20 simply by thinking ahead.  

 

Tip for future you. 

You can’t buy a three-year 26-30 Railcard, so make additional savings by purchasing your three-year 16-25 Railcard before turning 25.  

 

3. Eat first, don’t food shop hungry. 

It can be so easy to overspend in the supermarket, especially if you're hungry or hungover. To avoid this, plan all your meals ahead of time. You’ll know what you need to buy and how much you have to spend, and waste less too. As a bonus, planning your weekly meals will also reduce the likelihood of ordering an expensive takeout. 

 

4. Don’t rush, buying textbooks can be costly. 

Buying textbooks at the beginning of the year can drain your bank balance in ways you weren’t planning. The truth is that not every book on your reading list is an absolute necessity and buying each and every one of them can really eat into your budget - especially if you buy them brand new.  

 

You can buy second-hand textbooks from older students if you wait a while and check out the core texts that will really help you. The others can always be borrowed from the library. 

 

5. Take advantage of money apps    

You can download a variety of free money management apps on your smartphone that can teach you how to think about money more effectively. Tracking how you spend your money can help you stick to your budget – and you’ll be able to identify where you can cut back to save some extra cash.  

 

6. Make the most of your Railcard with our exclusive deals   

A 16-25 Railcard unlocks heaps of offers from a range of exciting partners, which means you can save money not just on travel, but on everything from experience days to dining out and take outs. 50% off pizza delivery? Count us in.  

 

Get your family saving too 

If you’re planning on showing your family around your new town, lure them into paying you a visit using a Two Together or Family & Friends Railcard. As a Railcard holder, they’ll also benefit from discounted leisure rates at IHG® Hotels & Resorts. Winning!