Learning how to be a thrifty student doesn’t have to mean giving up the stuff you love.
The day your student loan drops is like no other. Feeling flush I’d head into town to treat myself to a cool new outfit and stock up on ‘good’ ice cream. But it never lasts and you’re down to the £1 Iceland pizzas and pyjamas combos before you know it.
Adopting a thrifty approach to making my student loan last longer has been challenging and rewarding in equal measure. I didn’t want to give up the Primark binge and £4 ice cream, but quickly realised it meant more nights out, trips and memories with my mates.
Saving money while at uni can be tricky. But by spending an hour tapping into the world of discounts available, you can save on easy things like your food shop, takeaways, clothes, stationery, travel and loads more.
Here’s how to be a thrifty student:
Student Discount
What’s that? An extra 10% off with your student discount card? We love to see it. Get yourself onto one of the brilliant student discount comparison sites and save on literally everyone from pizza to pens.
Free Food
Alright so it’s not exactly free but getting yourself a supermarket loyalty card will pay off. When you’re down to your last bean, those points turn into vouchers which might just save your bacon!
Vintage is IN
Fast fashion is on its way out. So it’s all eyes on charity shops, uni kilo sales and thrifting. Buying secondhand no longer carries any shame, you’re saving the planet!
Get Around
Get yourself a bus or rail pass for the year. I know it seems like such a massive outlay at first, but you’ll be surprised how freeing it is to be able to get out and explore on your days off.
Refer Your Mates
So many people miss this one. If you get a referral code for a broadband supplier, online takeaway, entry free, whatever – make sure you pass it on. Most companies now offer a treat for you if they sign up. Get on that free delivery voucher or £10 off your next order – every time!